the sun shines above the city (wonderland)

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/46223158.

Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: SEVENTEEN (Band)
Relationships: Boo Seungkwan/Chwe Hansol | Vernon, Choi Seungcheol |
S.Coups/Yoon Jeonghan, Hong Jisoo | Joshua/Lee Seokmin | DK, Boo
Seungkwan & Chwe Hansol | Vernon & Lee Chan | Dino, Jeon
Wonwoo/Kim Mingyu, Wen Jun Hui | Jun/Xu Ming Hao | The8, Kwon
Soonyoung | Hoshi/Lee Jihoon | Woozi
Characters: Chwe Hansol | Vernon, Boo Seungkwan, Choi Seungcheol | S.Coups,
Yoon Jeonghan, SEVENTEEN Ensemble
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - College/University, Mafia AU, Heist, Fluff and
Angst, Implied/Referenced Suicide, hansol centric this is literally mc
hansol moment, yes maknae line dynamic is here, Mutual Pining,
friendship break up why does this doesnt have any tag this is worse than
common break up, Moral Dilemmas, hansol questioning his morality,
hansol also questioning his brothers morality
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-04-03 Updated: 2023-11-26 Words: 57,302 Chapters:
20/?
 the sun shines above the city (wonderland)
by hypebeayst

Summary

To repeat the previous question, does Hansol ever love or like something in his life
genuinely? He thought of it for a while. His whole life was moved by what his brother’s
intention was – to tear down their family to the ground. Until nothing left behind – until no
one cared about their good yet stinking reputation in the country. Maybe he was born only to
take revenge, to do what’s good for him, and the people his family had hurt for years.

He thought so – until Boo Seungkwan appeared.

Notes

guess who finally wrote something for svt whilst being their fan since their predebut
project?????? me ig. anything could be updated as the story goes on (rating, amount of
chapters, ships, characters, and tags) all of them! for now, i have this. so enjoy <3

english is not my first language and this is not beta read!

the title came from march by seventeen (been repeating this for two whole days fuck i love
them so much)

See the end of the work for more notes

 i. hansol and seungkwan

For these past few days, the sun has been haloing throughout the skies of Seoul. It's not
summer yet, but it's enough to give its own citizens to bring their respective umbrellas and
cover their skin from it. From how the weather forecast reporter told them through broadcast
that for the next whole week, the sun will continue to wave its spectrum to the land wherever
it touches. This includes Seoul, the government starting to promote various kinds of
activities, acting like they were in the summer season already – because it felt like one.

Then what Chwe – Choi, for most part – Vernon Hansol's comment about the sunlit skies in
his everyday week commute to the campus? Well, it's not a big deal, he thinks. He was also
one of many people who brought their respective things to cover them from the sun. The man
preferred a snapback or even a beanie to cover his white ass scalp and applied sunscreen
many times like he did during summer break. It has been a long time since he had a proper
summer break like he used to when he was a child.

Now, the statement of summer break doesn't apply to any break at all. No vacation, no
sightseeing with your family, only cooped up in your room while your parents relied on the
housemaids to take care of you.

In conclusion, everyday is the same. Hansol, although being the rich son he is, also prefers to
stay in his dorm room. Through freshman until sophomore year, he'd been sharing the room
with some of his friends. Until his senior year, Hansol could pay his own dorm tuition for a
single bed room without his parents even knowing a damn thing – they never cared for it ever
since he despised their wish for him to enroll in a business major.

Throughout the day, because the only thing he should finish was his thesis project to graduate
undergrad school, Hansol spent it on his part time job. He changed many different kinds of
part time jobs since freshman year, but this one has to be the last before he graduates because
not only is the price enough for him to eat, the store is closer to his building. Alas it is still in
the campus territory. Sometimes he met with some of his campus friends, close or not,
hearing how they ask him why he still works as a part timer even though his place was
already secured in his parent's business company.

Hansol only replied to those questions with an airily laugh as usual. Like everything felt
normal for him, he did this for himself not for the company or his family. The airily laugh he
let out has been famous for a long time, the youngest Choi acted like he didn’t know anything
involving his family’s company. Even when he’s next to the heir when the time comes.

So does Hansol ever love or like something in his life genuinely? Well his campus life went
out fine. The most stress he ever had was getting the approval from his professor about his
project thesis proposal. Being an architecture major, Hansol pitched an idea to make a
blueprint of an untouchable room – the safest room to put something, for example, money.
The room was made to keep all of the cash inside it and give it to the needs like it should've
been.

Those money that the government kept should’ve been given to them – the people who need
it more like the rats ruling this country. Not only the government, the businessmen and
women – the rich families that already bribed the poor families to work for them and
underpaid amounts of money was given for the feedback. His family was one of them and
they didn’t bother to hide it. Hansol has been witnessing the dirty transaction since he was
little with his brother beside him.

Thus why his brother left him when he was 14 years old. He left the family to be more
specific, but in all, he still left him. The older by 3 years left his little brother in that toxic
family. Making him the next black sheep to be sacrificed to the cruel world of money and
disgust.

A few months after his brother left, the news reported they found the body belonging to the
oldest of the two in a river. Hansol was still at school when he heard the news, letting himself
get escorted out from his class to find one of his maids already there to pick him up.
Throughout the funeral, Hansol looked lost. He didn’t even get his chance to look at his
brother’s face for the last time – their father said it was too much for the family to handle the
embarrassment of what the oldest had done.

“Found in a river? What a pathetic human being,” one of their aunties blurted out when the
funeral just finished. Hansol darted his eyes to the direction where the sound came from,
slowly walking towards them, and lifting his right hand up – ready to slap the bitch’s face
while he’s only 14 years old. Old enough to slap the bitch’s face if people were being logical
for once. His hand immediately stopped by one of his maids, all eyes on him, piercing
through the skull of his head.
When he got dragged from the place, Hansol maintained his sight to each of his family
members. Memorizing their faces until the right time comes to slap them all when he’s older
and capable of killing someone later.

In his life, even the scorching sun shining through each person's skin everyday these past few
days, Hansol went through all of it without having any stress. He only woke up for his part
time job, brainstorming between his shift for his project, then came home to play an e-sport
game for a while. His life has been calm and enough for him without his parents meddling.
Aside from the campus holiday, Hansol completely shut them off.

He couldn’t bear to hear nasty words from his parents. Not that he was compared by his
brother, no, he never felt any insecurity towards the older – because both of them have been
in one soul since they were little.

“Don’t follow the path Seungcheol walked,” one of his cousins said in the middle of the
company’s business training Hansol had to attend in his summer vacation. The audacity of
them to say it in front of many people was not all of them coming from their family tree.
Hansol knew the sentences were technically direct to him whereas he’s seen unbothered
fidgeting the merch pen he got even if it's his family’s company. “Look where he got himself
into – dead with no one there to save him whilst he abandoned the only thing that could save
him in the first place,” as the words ring into Hansol’s mind, his eyes looking straight to the
bold writing decorated the slender body of his pen.

CHOI CORPORATION

He didn’t think twice when he broke the pen in half. Scatter all the ink to cover his palm,
imagining how it should’ve been red and all of the eyes of his family now were lifeless on the
floor. But no, the reality was just him breaking the pen. Hansol blinks, he didn’t intend to
break it – his intention was a mass genocide of his own family but oh well, it could be done
later.

“Sorry,” Hansol whispers and bow in apology towards the other attendees who blindly join
this stink company’s business training.

To repeat the previous question, does Hansol ever love or like something in his life
genuinely? He thought of it for a while. His whole life was moved by what his brother’s
intention was – to tear down their family to the ground. Until nothing left behind – until no
one cared about their good yet stinking reputation in the country. Maybe he was born only to
take revenge, to do what’s good for him, and the people his family had hurt for years.

He thought so – until Boo Seungkwan appeared.

There were many reasons why Hansol preferred the nights rather than days. Besides he could
be alone in his room or the dorm’s rooftop, letting the breeze go through his dark black hair.
One of them was Seungkwan’s presence near him. They met when they were still freshman
year in one of the academic lecture halls, learning both of them were fellow architecture
majors.

The very first thing that made Hansol think Seungkwan was different from his other friends
was his knowledge. He remembered when after Hansol introduced his name and Seungkwan
introduced him then the silence ensued. It was not that thick, but Hansol was expecting
something from the latter. Seungkwan, being the idiot he is, only blinks in confusion.

Telepathically asking to elaborate whatever happens to the strings between them – because it
tightens from Hansol’s side.

“Is there something in my face?” Seungkwan speaks again, giving a question. Hansol shook
his head, “You won’t comment about it?”

“About what?”

“My name.”

“Why, you have a nice name,” Seungkwan replies nonchalantly. Then their professor walked
in, telling the class that the lecture will start in a few minutes. Seungkwa throws the
conversation out of the window until the class ends and Hansol is still in awe for about 1.5
hours. He would learn later on that Seungkwan was not really aware about the presence of
Choi Corporation and how his brother died a few years ago, “Oh, I’m sorry if that offended
you or something. I’m from Jeju and the only thing that I knew to get here,” he made a
gesture to point where they stand, as in Seoul, “was difficult as fuck.”

The next thing Hansol got was Seungkwan asking him to try all of the food in their building’s
cafeteria. While Seungkwan had already walked a few meters from him, Hansol was still
standing in awe. In almost 18 years of his life, everyone immediately focused on his family
name rather than the given one. Like it was a default thing that God had created – that he’s
just the youngest from the Choi hierarchy.

Hansol didn’t realize he was grinning widely when Seungkwan called him. Since then, they
just walk side by side. They went through ups and downs studying architecture for these past
four years. The two of them shared a room once in their junior to sophomore year, before
they separated in senior year because of privacy.

It was just bullshit, by the way. Seungkwan pitched the idea because his project proposal
consists of building a resort in Jeju with an affordable price for the locals. He thought he
needed space to focus on the proposal, that’s why they separated. Then after only a few days,
Hansol paused his game because of the knocking against his door to find Seungkwan
sniffling.

“I can’t do this alone,” he said with his red puffy cheeks because of crying and lack of sleep.
Hansol couldn’t say no to that and Seungkwan slept in his room for the next whole week.
Other things whilst being each other’s pillars were how Seungkwan provided the things
Hansol didn’t need before. Seungkwan is the master of creating a blueprint of any building he
finds interesting – being an architecture student, this has to be one of their traits.

This teamwork was created when Hansol told Seungkwan he needed to give the money that
the poor should’ve received from any of the corporations that were located in Seoul. Then the
next day, Seungkwan gave him the blueprint of their buildings. It’s another charisma of Boo
Seungkwan that made Hansol just stand in awe. While the latter smiles cheek to cheek,
knowing their friendship would last longer than they originally thought.

Since junior year, they had been breaking the dormitory’s night hours to sneak out and take
all the cash from the said most protected safe in the building. Whilst being the most
protected, it got broken by two amateur college students and until now, no one bat an eye to
the news. The euphoria Hansol got in his stomach when he looked at the desperation of each
owner of the building while they were talking in the press conference – on how many they
lost in only one night. It was the best feeling he ever got for years.

Imagine he did that to his own family? He would document all of that when it goes down.

When the police didn’t successfully find the culprits, some underground organizations
approached the two of them. Their reputation was not known by the public, but underground,
they were the stars. Duo vigilante who continuously helps the one who is needed across
Seoul. Some of them knew their real identity, but the underground organizations were all
owned by locals, not gangs like how the movies depicted them.

They were also trying to give the best for their neighborhood but without the knowledge of
electronics and other things, it’s difficult for them to do it. Hence why they came to them to
ask for help. The business had been going for years now. There was no betrayal between
them, even the neighborhood citizens often invited them to have dinner and else – treating
them like their sons, their heroes.

Seungkwan once said his neighborhood back in Jeju looked exactly like this. While Hansol
never got that warmth from his own family, everything he experienced at the moment – all of
them were new since his brother left the house.

Tonight was also one of those business nights. Hansol was in the middle of monitoring his
latest project mocap in his laptop when suddenly the window of his room was lifted open by
someone. He didn’t need to bat an eye to the sound to find Seungkwan successfully
improving his flexibility on getting in and out without making any noise. Hansol was still
looking at his laptop screen when Seungkwan sprawled on the floor, huffing out his breath
like he just ran around the campus’s stadium jogging tracks.

“You’ve improved.”

“Stop talking like you’re better than me.”

“Sadly, I am,” Hansol made a funny face and Seungkwan replied with a middle finger. He
closed his laptop and put it on the table, “So, what’s for tonight? The same thing Mr. Jung
told us a few days ago?” Hansol asked as he took his gear and suit from the closet.
Seungkwan nodded and put out the blueprint in front of them. “It is located in an abandoned
building somehow. Mr. Jung said lately the local organizations had been in a feud with
another organization that did not originate from around here. He said they moved around
across Korea and abroad, don’t know what they do but it’s making them worried,” Hansol
nodded along through the explanation, “Some of his men found that maybe there’s something
in this building – money, it should be that, what else could it be? He assigned us to get that
money and give it to the local shops in the neighborhood before it vanished for a short time.”

The darker haired man fixed his turtleneck when Seungkwan finished their plan outline. Both
of them didn’t think twice when they got a request from one of their local organizations.
Because that was what they made – to help the locals, and gained their trust. Until maybe
Hansol could ask for their help to expose the dark secret behind his family’s company.

When they finished gearing up, they stood in front of Hansol’s window. Looking straight at
the moonlight above the city, shines through the two of them.

“You ready, Kwan?”

“When was I’m not?”

Hansol chuckled and took the first leap.

 ii. hansol and seungcheol
Chapter Summary

“Did you finish all of your homeworks?” Hansol nodded, that’s why he was playing a
game at this kind of time, “Wanna go out?” Seungcheol raised his right eyebrows
towards the younger one.

The offer left Hansol speechless. He blinked his eyes in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

Chapter Notes

when i told you the title was based on march by seventeen, i was wrong; the whole fic
was based on that song only

The moonlight shines brightly as the two adolescents jump from one building to another.
Hansol was the one who proposed the idea of learning parkour. He did a few tricks to show
Seungkwan that would be effective rather than hiding in the ground area in stealth mode. It
could reduce their given time and end up for them to get caught in the end without even
successfully getting into the place they should take the money with.

Somehow, while they were running on the top of the roof, Hansol felt free. They were
endlessly chuckling throughout the track. Even Seungkwan almost tripped himself and
Hansol immediately caught him in his embrace. Giving him a remark for not being careful
unless he want to die fast tonight without build the resort he dreamt since enrolling to the
campus.

"Stop giving me emotional manipulation shits if you want to say that I'm suck at physical
activities," Seungkwan says when he finally stands on both of his feet. Hansol shrugged his
shoulders, they were already standing on the roof in front of the abandoned building. From
here, they should walk down the stairs to find a way to go up to the building's rooftop. Hansol
was looking at the blueprint they recently studied before going out when a wrapped sandwich
showed up in front of his sight, "Hungry?" He looked at Seungkwan with stars in his eyes
before nodding frantically.
Hansol loved heists, stealing money from the rich, and accompanied by food before he did
that in order. Seungkwan scoffed as he let the younger of the two take a big bite of the
sandwich that he prepared – deep down he just knew Hansol wouldn't prepare one for
himself.

"Big baby," Seungkwan said and Hansol nodded, "Mmmh." Eventually, the whole sandwich
disappeared into Hansol's stomach after a few minutes. Seungkwan then took the blueprint
from Hansol, examining it once again, "I'm going to lead us to the rooftop. You better stretch
those limbs and do your work when I tell you." The latter then walked past him first to walk
down from the building they were on right now.

Following his best friend from behind, Hansol darted his eyes back to the sight of how the
moonlight shone tonight. He remembers the first time he sneaked out from his big ass house.
At that time he was around 11-12 years old, stuck in elementary school while his brother had
already roamed around breaking house rules in middle school. Every night, Hansol caught
the sight of Seungcheol jumping from the fence with his backpack before running to the exit
gate of the complex.

Of course, he didn't do that once or twice – he did it too often that Hansol lost count. Hansol
was jealous at first, of how free Seungcheol was. It was his rebellious phase and their parents
became much worse and worse as Seungcheol got older. Loving his brother and wanting to
protect him indirectly burned inside Hansol's gut when their parents started asking him why
Seungcheol had to run away like that.

Munching his potato wedges, Hansol shrugged as he answered, "Maybe this house feels like
hell." Both adults stared at him with an unimpressed look while Hansol continued to eat his
lunch.

A few days after that, Hansol was in the middle of playing his video games on his laptop
when the window in his room suddenly opened. Because he is the youngest of the two, not
very aware of his surroundings (one of his bad habits before he lost Seungcheol), his reaction
to the sudden opening of his own window was only him turn his head to the direction with a
slow motion.
The man looks calm yet his mind runs wild. WHO THE FUCK WHO THE FUCK WHO THE
FUCK –

Suddenly Seungcheol showed up from his window, grinning, “Hey.” For a split second,
Hansol was holding his breath and look relieved when he saw his brother’s annoying
grinning face, “Hyung, I swear to God –”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry,” Seungcheol steps into his brother’s room, walks closer to where
he sits and gives him a quick tight hug, “Apologize for also being away and leave you in this
hell hole for three days straight.” Hansol replied to the hug with the same gesture, he nodded,
and acknowledged why Seungcheol ran away in that amount of days. Breaking the embrace
the younger looked up to the black irises belonging to the older ones, “So, what are you
doing here? Judging by the fact that you didn’t bring your backpack, you’re not here to come
home.” Seungcheol darted his eyes to the interior of Hansol’s room – his younger brother is
much cleaner than him, knowing he stays at home more than him, who chose to stay away
from this house before he went crazy in near future. “Did you finish all of your homeworks?”
Hansol nodded, that’s why he was playing a game at this kind of time, “Wanna go out?”
Seungcheol raised his right eyebrows towards the younger one.

The offer left Hansol speechless. He blinked his eyes in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

“Go out, you know, follow me for the rest of the night. Then you will go back here before the
morning comes.” Seungcheol doesn’t even give Hansol a chance to answer, because he
already put back his right foot on the window, getting ready to jump down while it didn’t
cross his mind that the room he’s in was located on the second floor of their house. Hansol
immediately stood on his feet, “Okay, okay. Let me just – do I really need to also jump?”
Seungcheol let out a faint chuckle. He nudged his head to the side, “Come on, I will wait for
you down there,” then he took the first leap.

Hansol widens his eyes, frightened. He took one of his bomber jackets and immediately ran
towards the window. Both of his gazes darted to the ground where Seungcheol successfully
landed. The older brother opened both of his hands, making sure he would catch whenever
Hansol landed on the ground later on.
It took him a quick five minutes to successfully jump from his window. He didn’t also make
any loud voices, only faint shrieking against his older brother’s shoulder. Seungcheol also
didn’t help any better – he fucking chuckled when he saw how Hansol jumped. Around this
time, Hansol had not yet learned anything about parkour.

After succeeding on getting out from the house area, Seungcheol then took Hansol to the
central city where the lights shone above them. Lighting up the pedestrians and vehicle roads,
guiding them to the path they should walk on, regardless where they would end up at the end.
For their agenda tonight, Seungcheol took Hansol to one of the riversides located in Seoul.
Every riverside in this city, even though it’s late already, there will always be people who still
sit and hold conversation with their friends.

“Took you long enough,” said a stranger when the brothers finally arrived at the prepared
picnic mat near the river. It was dark, but with the help of the nearest lamp light, Hansol
could see the face of the said stranger. Seungcheol then introduced Hansol to him, “So,
Jeonghan, this is my brother Hansol.” Being a good boy he is, Hansol offered a handshake
that was immediately accepted by Jeonghan, “I know you,” the man sipped his soda, “ I’m
Yoon Jeonghan, Seungcheol’s best friend.”

Hansol may be still in elementary school, but he knew about romance between two people.
The three of them ended up chatting about various kinds of topics. Hansol learned that
Jeonghan was kind of a sly person – he’s mischievous. Yet judging with how his brother’s
hand intertwined with his, Hansol didn’t need any further explanation.

Later when Seungcheol escorted him back home. He gave Hansol another tight hug, “It will
be hard from now on, Hansol-ah.”

It was, Hansol thought when he found a riverside from where the abandoned building’s
rooftop was, it was fucking hard, hyung.

The riverside from years ago was the same one where Seungcheol's body was found.
“Nonie,” first attempt, “Vernonie,” then another attempt. It was one of Hansol’s habits when
they were out for their heist at nighttime, especially when the moon was fully shown in the
sky. Hansol would dive deep in his thoughts, thinking about his late brother again.
Seungkwan shook Hansol’s hands a little bit harder this time as he called out his name again,
“Chwe Hansol.”

Hansol turned his head from the moon only to find Seungkwan crouching on the floor of the
rooftop. When they arrived, there was a big ass wood board covering the entrance. Right
now, Seungkwan already got rid of the board and showed an unopened metal door that,
according to the blueprint, connects the rooftop to the attic of the building. Both men were
busy gazing at each other and Seungkwan pointed out the metal door on the ground.

“Make yourself useful,” he said. It is a fact that Hansol is stronger between the two and
capable of doing most of the physical activities than him. Hansol let out a faint ahhh before
crouching near the metal door. Easily, he lifted up the handle and they were welcomed by the
sight of the dark attic, “Let me jump first then I will catch you from there.”

Seungkwan nodded, following the lead as usual. Hansol learned that it was not that big, the
height between the rooftop and the attic floor. So when his feet landed on the ground, it was
easy. He turned on his flashlight to scan the surroundings, making sure it was empty and
good to go for the two of them.

After it all cleared, Hansol looked up towards where Seungkwan was and offered his right
hand. Seungkwan doesn’t like it when Hansol acts like a prince who needs to save their
princesses (or prince!) – he really does look like a prince with the addition of the pale
moonlight shine on his face right now. So without thinking too long, Seungkwan held his
hand and jumped to the ground. Before they continue to find the safe, Hansol closes the metal
door above them.

“Hansol,” Seungkwan called and the dark haired man hums, “Maybe someday you’re going
to be the death of me.” Hansol was quietly strolling through the hallway, even the abandoned
building looked scary in the night, they are fine when they have each other in the dark, “The
feeling’s mutual.” Seungkwan darted his gaze to his left hand that was previously intertwined
with the latter’s. Their relationship was kind of confusing at some times – but there was no
time to think about it now.
They got a safe to be broken, money to steal. Both of them were already at the underground
level of the building. Quite a long journey for them to break in from the highest floor but oh
well, it’s just them preferring the sky than the land. Hansol was walking while focusing on
the blueprint before he stopped on his track, darting his flashlight to another metal door in
front of him that was placed on the wall.

Seungkwan takes the blueprint from Hansol’s hands, looking back and forth from the paper
and the door in front of them. He gave the other man a quick nod, confirming that this is the
one. Hansol then immediately gets into his job to crack the safe code. It took him a quick five
minutes to successfully crack the code, a clicking sound was heard telling them that the door
had also opened.

Hansol then opened the door and the cash of Korean wons welcomed them. It was placed on
various piles on the floor and some of them were placed in the shelf available in the safe
itself. Without even talking to his partner, Hansol pulled out the bag to put all of the cash in.
While Seungkwan himself was still standing near the door.

“Hansol, I’ve been thinking while looking at this blueprint,” Hansol hums in reply again, still
putting all of the cash into his bag, “does this blueprint look exactly like your project?” The
question did not stop Hansol from doing what he was doing. He’s too focused on what he
should do for the locals after this, giving them help with all of this cash that surely could
afford their business and other sectors in the neighborhood. “Well, I will find the one who
owns this building later on to ask about the blueprint. Before that,” he gazed at where
Seungkwan was still standing, “can you move your ass faster, Boo Seungkwan-ssi? We don’t
have all night for this.”

Well, Hansol is right. They don’t have all night for this. Knowing tomorrow is still campus
life and Seungkwan still had to be a professor's assistant on the day made him fold the
blueprint back to its place. Immediately assisting Hansol to put all the cash inside his own
bag.

It is normal for them to end their job quickly. Since they sneaked out from the campus until
now, it only took them a whole 30 minutes. Them, still being in their youth, the outcome is
very much more important than the process. Hence why they really need to get all of this
cash to the hands of the locals as fast as possible.
Or so they thought. Hansol remembered all of the cash had already been stuffed into their
bags. He just got up from crouching down, wanting to walk out from the safe when the alarm
blasted off. An unknown mist – yes, it’s a mist and not water – suddenly sprinkled on them,
willingly getting sucked into their respiration system through their nose.

Unlike Hansol who immediately tried to cover his nose, Seungkwan was already coughing.
Dropping all of the bags he was holding on and his face went pale red – Hansol, too, also saw
red.

“Seungkwan!” He immediately dropped his bags and tug Seungkwan into his embrace.
“Kwan, Kwannie – breathe – breathe –”

“I – I can’t – “ before Hansol spoke again, Seungkwan rolled his eyes back. “No, no, no. Stay
with me – fuck, stay with me –” the latter almost lost his consciousness and slowly Hansol
also get the side effect of the mist. His eyes went blurry, tightening the embrace he had
around Seungkwan’s body. The last thing he saw was a man standing not too far from where
they were.

Hansol’s body stiffened and went limp. He then threw himself around Seungkwan who was
still laying on his lap, and the last thing he’d done while dying was protecting the person he
loved the most.

Or so he thought.

Hansol’s vision was still dark when he regained his consciousness. His neck was hurt,
groaning as he says, “Fuck.. where am I?” through the little holes around his head, he still
could see the reflection of the moonlight. That was when he realized his head was covered by
something else. Then, someone took off that something else and Hansol frowned, looking at
several lightings that were placed directly towards his direction.

It took him a quick second to regain his vision again. Until he sees a man, smiling at him,
while crouching down.
“Oh hohoho, we got a big fish,” that tone – rat's tone that could be only spoken by someone
related to the government in his dictionary. In front of him was the presence of Hong Jisoo,
the son of a certain corrupted prime minister who until now was still not fully proven guilty
for his wrongdoings against his own country citizens, smiling mischievous as Hansol’s eyes
grow wide at him, “We got the youngest prince.”
 iii. hansol and jisoo
Chapter Summary

Jisoo was the one who spoke first, mischievous glint yet curious shown across his face.
“Fancy seeing you here,” the only thing Hansol remembered about the older guy was
he’s annoying as fuck, “Vernon.” It has been a long time since someone called his
English name correctly without using the Korean pronunciation – the way Seungkwan
said it was still his favorite of all time. Hansol then straightens his posture, relaxing to
the chair against his back, “You too,” a faint silence occurred as he reenacted the same
tone, “Joshua.”

Chapter Notes

did you see the rating update??????? did you see the new ship tag??????? did you see
the warning update???????? DID YOU SEE THE CHAPTER NAME????????? because
folks *in kevin hart voice* its about to go down

See the end of the chapter for more notes

The night has been late already when the breeze felt a lot colder than a few minutes ago.
Through the silence of the night, a heavy breathing was heard. Two men were currently
sitting with both of their hands tied at the back of their respective chairs, as well as another
two men standing in front of them. Both of them wore a not-so-thick-layer suit, one of them
had his blazer button off while the other one kept it closed because he has a reputation to be
protected.

Not that reputation needs any protection anymore after everything the prime minister did
these past few years. Hansol and Jisoo had been in their intense staring contest for a few
minutes since the younger of the two’s faces got revealed. The last time Hansol ever saw
Jisoo in person was a few years ago at Seungcheol’s funeral. Both adults had been going into
unspoken war every time they met each other in the eye and Hansol has always been there to
observe.

Jisoo was the one who spoke first, mischievous glint yet curious shown across his face.
“Fancy seeing you here,” the only thing Hansol remembered about the older guy was he’s
annoying as fuck, “ Vernon. ” It has been a long time since someone called his English name
correctly without using the Korean pronunciation – the way Seungkwan said it was still his
favorite of all time. Hansol then straightens his posture, relaxing to the chair against his back,
“You too,” a faint silence occurred as he reenacted the same tone, “ Joshua. ”

It left a bitter taste after he said the latter’s name. Jisoo let out a faint chuckle before his eyes
darted to the ground. All of their bags were scattered there near Jisoo and the other man. One
of their bags was currently in the condition of being zipped open, showing all of the cash that
a few minutes ago they were stuffed in there.

The other man looked like he was counting the amount of money inside it. “They
successfully did steal all of the money, hyung,” he says before standing up. Jisoo nodded his
head, looking back towards Hansol who’s still in his chair. “I didn’t know you would move
that fast to be the neighborhood’s heroes for all these years. Are you feeling hurt by
everything your family did to them?” Jisoo asked rhetorically and Hansol didn't have any
intention to answer it, “It was shocking enough the fact that the youngest son of the CHOI
CORPORATION was found outside their territory. What a thrilling adventure you got here
after finally enrolled in college, yeah?”

Without batting an eye to the other direction, Hansol could see the other man in the room
nodding his head.

“College was full of choosing bad choices, kiddo."

“It wasn’t like you made any good ones, Seokmin.”

“Yeah, you were right with that one,” Seokmin, the other man, looked taken back at Jisoo’s
response. “As I was saying, it was pleasant to meet you here, Vernon. How long has it been
like? 8 years, wasn’t it?” Hansol was still in silence. Jisoo looked at him with another
expression now, he looked unimpressed on how the younger still kept his mouth shut. “You
had the nerve to break into one of my safe and still keep your mouth shut even though I
already caught you, huh?”

Then Jisoo landed a punch on Hansol’s face. Seungkwan’s gasping was heard through the
ringing sound inside Hansol’s head.
“Hansol!” Seungkwan was trying to reach him as Seokmin dragged his ass back to his chair –
keeping him still. Jisoo was still doing what he needed to do – it was like he’s venting his
anger to Hansol. As he grabbed the younger’s collar turtleneck, he punched his face again.
The demonstration left Seungkwan screaming helpless, “STOP! JUST STOP –”

Hansol was leaning against his chair, mouth wide open as he tried to breathe through it
instead of his nose. Jisoo was laughing, looking at the sight in front of him.

“You know, this looked like a déjà vu in some ways, Hansol.” Hansol’s eyes were half-
lidded, seeing through his eyelashes and it was blurry to get Jisoo’s figure into his mind.
Then he felt his hair was grabbed by the older, getting another screeching sound from
Seungkwan. “It was like 8 years ago, with your brother looking lifeless at the riverside,”
Jisoo continued.

For a split second, Hansol regains his vision. He saw red for the second time tonight. As he
wanted to march to where the older one stands, Jisoo was a second faster than him. Moving
his left foot from getting crushed by one of Hansol’s chair legs and grabbing his collar again,
as he lands another punch to enough leaving Hansol helpless.

Jisoo takes a few steps back as he huffs multiple sighs from his mouth. He, too, was also
breathing hard as punching another guy’s face took a toll for his body. Seungkwan was
struggling on his seat as Seokmin decided to slap his face to make him quiet. Hurriedly, he
walked towards Jisoo who was slowly losing his balance.

Seokmin caught him by circling his right hand around his waist, “Hyung,” tapping Jisoo’s
cheek softly as the older man started losing his consciousness, “Hey, hey – hyung, come on.
Breathe with me.” Slowly, Jisoo did as Seokmin told. Seungkwan’s head was still dangling to
the left side where Hansol’s leans against the back of the chair – both men were breathing
heavily. It was barely a whisper but he was sure Hansol would hear it, “Hansol – Hansol, you
need to stay with me. Put everything aside and cooperate,” Seungkwan was still breathing
heavily from his mouth, “I need you, Chwe Hansol.”

Hansol’s mind was clouded by a bunch of overlapping memories. On how when the last time
he ever saw Seungcheol, his big grin plastered across his face. Or when his little hand slowly
wrapped around Seungcheol’s index finger as Hansol slowly drifted to sleep. Then the
funeral – the fucking funeral happened.
It happened and passed so quickly as Hansol let himself not to go feral when he was
forbidden to look at his brother’s face for one last time. Then the sight of Jisoo who was also
attending the funeral – fucking Hong Jisoo.

Hansol mumbled something under his breath. Jisoo and Seokmin turned their heads in sync.

“Finally speaking, yeah?” Seokmin leaves Jisoo as he walks to lift Hansol’s face by grabbing
his hair, “What did you say?”

“You killed him,” Hansol's eyes finally fluttered open, looking straight to where Jisoo was
standing. Jisoo, who had trouble breathing a few seconds ago, suddenly changed to his recent
demeanor. Mischievous, liar, had many faces, a fucking wolf in a sheep’s clothing. His face
showed bliss, as he remembered what happened 8 years ago, “I did, Hansol,” Jisoo let out a
loud chuckling that echoed through the abandoned building, “I killed him.”

Hansol breathes through his nose. The only thing remaining in his mind was getting the cutter
inside his pocket and slitting Jisoo’s throat right here, right now.

“I fucking killed Choi Seungcheol.”

The silence continued to ensue. It was fucking uncomfortable, especially for Seungkwan. He
look at Hansol with a worried face, he doesn’t know what would the latter do in the next
second because he’s also a fucking unpredictable man. Sometimes, once again, Seungkwan
doesn’t understand how Hansol’s brain works.

But this time, maybe a little, he understands. Especially when a certain Choi Seungcheol is
involved in the conversation. Seungkwan had known about the case – it was cruel, gruesome
even, and hurtful enough for Hansol to know the truth 8 years later. If this man – Joshua?
Joshua, right? – was really the murderer behind what happened to Choi Seungcheol then he
is indeed a heartless man.
I mean, who could have fucking laughed and declared that he just killed someone’s brother in
front of that someone? Politics may ruin someone’s head probably. Seungkwan doesn’t want
any portion of this drama. He only cared about Hansol and his well-being, he probably
couldn’t take it anymore but it was overshadowed by the gaze he gave to the man standing in
front of him. When he intended to speak first, Hansol cut him off with a question.

“What were his last words?” Hansol asked, a dangerous tone slipped into each of his words.
Seokmin was now back on his two feet again, standing right beside Jisoo. Jisoo let out a
small ah, mocking the younger one. As if he’s not torturing him enough with a pile of
information, Hansol has been questioning for years. “It was something about you, being
alone if the others finally found his body later on,” Jisoo answered.

Without second thought, Hansol marched forward to where Jisoo was standing for a second
time. Also for a second time, his intention was stopped by the enemy. This time Seokmin
pushed Hansol back to where he should’ve been. Hansol was struggling in the man’s grip,
shouting, crying, cursing Jisoo as he wailed.

It was the first time Seungkwan had ever seen Hansol look so emotional.

“YOU FUCKING KILLED HIM! YOU FUCKING KILLED MY BROTHER! YOU

FUCKING – YOU FUCKING DOG! YOU RATS! ALL OF YOU ARE FUCKING RATS!”
then it was followed by a tiny whimper, Seungkwan closed his eyes as he hold up his tears,
“My brother – my brother –” Hansol also let out his tears falling on his cheek, “Seungcheol
hyung –”

Seokmin lands another punch to Hansol’s face. Making him groan and shutting his mouth off.
Jisoo looked impressed at Seokmin’s determination of this interrogation. Nodding his head as
he looks at how miserable Hansol is.

Jisoo motioned his left index finger, telling Seokmin to give the younger man a space. As he
complied, Jisoo walked closer to Hansol and grabbed his head as they looked each other eye
to eye. Hansol was bruised on his face, here and there. At the back of his mind, he was
thinking on how he would cure all of it fast later on.
“You just got fucking tricked by the neighbourhood men, o dear youngest prince to the
hierarchy,” Hansol’eyes were half-lidded once again, trying to keep it open as Jisoo
continues, “You really think you will be able to avenge them to your own family? Just like
what your brother wanted, yeah? Guess what, they didn’t need that anymore. They didn’t
need their duo vigilante to steal the rich money for them because it was fucking useless. It
was fucking disrespectful to me, to us, that you acting like their heroes yet you didn’t even
know what the fuck was going on in the country. It was never about your family, it was
bigger than that.” Then Jisoo landed a punch against Hansol’s gut, made him spurts blood to
the floor, “God, both of you and your family were all the same. Fucking self-centered and act
you all were the victim on how the world works.”

Hansol looked back into Jisoo’s eyes. His body went completely limp because of the punch in
his gut. But his determination to crush the person in front of him is bigger than that. But
when he tried to move his chair, trying to crush one of Jisoo’s toe nails, a laser with red color
was placed on his forehead.

Jisoo let out a low chuckle and Seungkwan panicked. “Oh, you really want to avenge your
brother, yeah?” the man asked as he tapped Hansol’s cheek slowly. Still wet by his tears
recently. “Do it, flower boy. There’s a skillful sniper who placed a target on your forehead. A
slight move from his scope and then bang ,” Jisoo motioned a gunshot to Hansol, “you’re
dead like Seungcheol.”

Hansol may not have seen it, but Seungkwan did. On how Seokmin looked uncomfortable as
he witnessed what Jisoo just did to the other man. Seungkwan’s brain cogs were currently
running wild, he had to come up with something – negotiate, he should negotiate. Or else,
Hansol would die right here, right now.

So, he decided to ask a question. “Hey!” Jisoo and Seokmin turn their heads, “Okay, we get it
– I fucking get it what you guys meant and we’re sorry to took your money. We just want to
give it to the locals, they have been nice to us for years and it was welcoming. This is what
we do for years, giving them what they should’ve had from every dirty hand who took their
money and if – if what we did really left a disrespect impression towards you, the two of you,
or any organization –”

“WONDERLAND.”
“– I’m sorry?” It was Seokmin who said, “The organization is WONDERLAND. We’re the
people who chase safe haven wherever the sun moves.” Seungkwan continued, don't bother
to think about it too much, “Okay, yes, WONDERLAND. We were very sorry about what we
did and just, please, let us go. We won’t be here or any of your territories again. There will be
no second time.”

Seungkwan thought his negotiation plan worked at first. Judging by how Seokmin raised his
left eyebrow, looking impressed somehow. Then Jisoo, on the other hand, let go of his grip
from Hansol. Leaving the younger breathing harshly, lowering his head as he feels the pain in
his head.

Jisoo chuckled, “Oh, would you look at that. Your little boyfriend has a smarter mouth than
you, o dear prince.” Hansol was still coughing, trying to hold the pain in his chest, head, gut
– fucking everywhere, “Did you guys fuck alrea –”

“Hyung, that’s enough.”

Jisoo stiffens as Seokmin lets out a different tone he used this time. It’s Seungkwan’s turn to
lift his right eyebrow, this is interesting. Both men exchanged an unreadable gaze towards
each other. The tension was too thick and Seungkwan thought it would be better to leave the
place as fast as possible.

Then Jisoo rolled his eyes. Hansol let out a chuckle, Seungkwan turned his head so fast and
hoped the latter won’t speak any bullshit through his mouth – there’s a possibility they would
release them!

“I guess your little boyfriend also has a smarter mouth than yours,” Hansol said solely for
Jisoo. Jisoo mumbled a curse under his breath but immediately stopped by Seokmin. He
whispered something to the other man that made Jisoo walk away as he fished out a pack of
cigarettes from his pocket. Seokmin’s eyes turn back to the two men as he puts down one
knee between them and talks in a low voice, “As you said before, there will be no second
time. I’m going to hold that statement of yours or else, it would be so much worse than this.
WONDERLAND owns this money and this will also be given to the neighborhood.
Technically, the locals were all under our. It was just we haven’t been around for years and
that’s why they needed both of your help. But now, everything is under control as
WONDERLAND comeback. This is the first and last warning. Don’t ever show up your
 noses in front of us again. Go back to your campus life, finish the undergrad thesis project – I
just graduated last year, so, I understand the stress.”

Hansol and Seungkwan tilted their heads to each other’s direction. Seokmin looked
embarrassed as he stood up. He then untied both of their hands and escorted them to walk out
from the abandoned building. Seungkwan gave a quick bow and Hansol didn't give any shit
at all, but thankfully, Seungkwan dragged his ass until they vanished from the other men’s
sight.

When they finally did, Seokmin turned his heels to where Jisoo was. “You took it too far,”
Seokmin commented on how Jisoo was acting recently. The older man was still smiling, but
it was different from the one he gave to Hansol before, “Did I?” Then he inhales the
cigarettes in his hand. As Seokmin slowly walks towards him, wraps his hand around Jisoo’s
waist, and let the older man exhale the smoke into his mouth.

Chapter End Notes

i was trying to insert some joke but i failed. sorry

 iv. hansol and jeonghan
Chapter Summary

“I can hear you thinking, you know.”

“What was I thinking?”

“That you were planning to go back to the abandoned building and ask Hong Jisoo
about what happened, right?”

Chapter Notes

this chapter was solely sponsored by angels like you by miley cyrus

tw: implied suicide attempt in this chapter

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“You really need to listen to me more often, okay?” Seungkwan said as he pressed the wet
cloth against one of Hansol’s visible bruises on his face. Hansol hissed at the pain, but never
stopped on how Seungkwan’s taking care of him. The latter drowns the cloth in the bowl
filled with warm water, pressing it again on Hansol’s face. “Thank you,” the darker haired
man mumbles, “I shouldn’t do what I did.”

Seungkwan only replied with a nod. The walk back to the campus area was quiet. When they
arrived at the building, Seungkwan insisted on treating Hansol’s bruises. Because there was
no way he would show up in the morning later on for his part time with bruises all over his
face.

As Seungkwan treated his bruises in silence in his room, Hansol’s eyes darted to his puffy
cheeks. It was pale red and puffier than usual. Seungkwan's cheeks look puffier, telling that
he had been crying. Thinking back on what happened back in the abandoned building, which
was around an hour ago, Hansol did remember how helpless Seungkwan was as he witnessed
Hansol get punched here and there.
I was too caught up with the truth, Hansol thinks as he follows Seungkwan’s movements,
that I forgot he witnessed all of the ugly things in this world. Seungkwan was treating his
bruises in silence, there was no conversation going on for almost 20 minutes. With the
window left open, only the breeze that came into the room produced some noises for the two
of them. In addition, the remaining moonlight shines tonight through the open window,
shining on Seungkwan that made Hansol’s vision become clearer.

“There,” Seungkwan announced as he finished treating his partner, “It will take some days to
heal. But it is better than recently. You still look handsome.” Hansol nodded, looking at the
other man who was standing, “Can I borrow your bathroom to wash a bit? Then your
clothes? I promise I will return it tomorrow. Nice and clean.” It was kind of weird with how
Seungkwan was still acting like he’s a stranger in Hansol’s life. Their relationship was
beyond that of a best friend or partner in crime.

At this point, Hansol couldn’t even imagine his life without Seungkwan. As the other man
finally entered the bathroom while bringing one set of his clothes, Hansol groaned. Leaning
against the back of his study chair. He closed both of his eyes, imagining how it could be his
life if Seungkwan exited the picture.

Thinking back to the fact he just met his brother’s murderer – that the murderer himself was
literally standing near him 8 years ago. Hansol had ever known Seungcheol and Jisoo’s
relationship has always been complicated. The rivalry tension between them was too thick,
Hansol remembered Jisoo once almost threw his fist like he did to him a few hours ago to
Seungcheol. As far as he remembers, their argument circled around their families
involvement in the country’s politics and finance – being the next heir of the hierarchy, they
were already dragged into their parents' mess since young.

Then move to some organization called WONDERLAND. Hansol doesn’t remember

anything about those kinds of organizations. Considering the fact Hong Jisoo even joined that
kind of organization? Even when he has everything on his hands? He has everything without
his family’s help. What does he want? Does the rich can’t really get enough with how much
they have? What was his reason until he got an answer to kill his brother?

Does Choi Seungcheol know something that Hong Jisoo wanted?

The bathroom door opened and Seungkwan stepped out back into the bedroom. He was
wearing one of Hansol’s baseball jerseys with a short that was undeniably really short while
wrapped around his legs. The sight does not help Hansol in every aspect. So he decided to
take a deep breath as he looked back to where Seungkwan was standing – walking to where
his bed was.

“I can hear you thinking, you know.”

“What was I thinking?”

“That you were planning to go back to the abandoned building and ask Hong Jisoo about
what happened, right?” Hansol tilted his head to the left, trying to look cute so Seungkwan
would approve his plan. “No, Hansol. Just – the hit against your gut really makes you drop
your brain or something?” Hansol pouts, was that a compliment? Or a joke? Seungkwan
sighs, helplessly, “Did you hear the other guy – Seokmin, right? Seokmin hyung?" The
younger one frowned, disliking the friendly term between the two, "– yes, that guy. He said
there was no second time and it was his, their, last warning. You could be killed if you show
up in front of them again.” I couldn’t bear the sight of you lifeless, being left unsaid hanging
on Seungkwan’s tongue. Hansol falls in silence, rethinking his plan in his mind as he
remembers each word (or threat) that was given to them.

They were not fighting with wealthy rats this time. It’s a whole criminal organization that has
been helping the neighborhood. Adding that organization was also receiving help from the
son of the prime minister. Hansol has been thinking if WONDERLAND has other things
under their sleeves.

“Okay,” Hansol replied as the cue for the two of them to drop the conversation. Seungkwan
blinks, “That’s it? That’s the only thing you need from me to stop you from doing anything
stupid?” Hansol stands, preparing his turn to wash and change his clothes as he nods, “I’m
going to change first. You can take the side near the wall, I will join you later on.” With that,
Hansol disappeared to the bathroom. Seungkwan was left in confusion, thinking it had never
been this easy to drag Hansol from doing something stupid – especially if it’s involving the
wealthy rats and now his brother’s murderer has been revealed to him.

He once willingly promised to do some of Hansol’s homeworks to prevent him going out to
chase some gangsters that had been grabbing money illegally in the neighborhood for fun.
The problem is, the police have been given the same case and at that time they were seriously
trying to find the culprit. Hansol had been sulking all day because I would find them within a
day. Seungkwan, in the middle of the problem he caused by giving the promise to the latter,
glared intensely towards Hansol, yeah yeah whatever you say.

When Hansol finished changing and washed up all clean, Seungkwan had been sleeping,
taking the right side near the wall on his bed. Hansol walked past the bed to close the window
and turn on the air conditioner, then he stopped in front of his desk. Both of his gaze focused
on the picture on the wall above the desk. It is a picture of him, Seungcheol, and Jeonghan
when he was in middle school while the older couple had already entered high school. The
smile across the boys face was enough telling they had fun hanging out with each other that
day.

Hansol took his phone and decided to call someone. The name Yoon Jeonghan is clearly
written on the contact name. Hansol didn’t think twice why he called the other man as his
gaze was still looking at the picture. Because it’s useless – everything is.

The number you were calling is – Hansol pushes the red button on his screen, letting out a
heavy sigh. He decided to join Seungkwan on the bed, looking at the sleep figure of his
partner, best friend, or whatever they are. “Seungkwan-ah,” Hansol whispers low enough to
not wake up the man in front of him, “You’re very important to me. You were there when my
world was starting to fall apart, you were there without even thinking about my identity. You
were, always have been, the only one who thinks of me as who I am and I’m very thankful
for that. These past four years we’ve been together, it was one of the best things that I’ve ever
experienced since Seungcheol hyung passed. It’s just now, the fact I know who killed him, I
couldn’t think of the day they tried to take you away from me – because of everything my
family did. I can’t –” Hansol stopped, holding his breath as the image of Seungkwan’s lifeless
body flashed in front of his eyes, “I can’t lose you.” The possibility of how WONDERLAND
was thinking to take Seungkwan from him, as they already know the youngest son of CHOI
CORPORATION is still alive and well, was terrifying, “I’m sorry. It shouldn’t end like this
for the two of us.” Hansol brushed his right hand against Seungkwan’s bangs, the other man
was still sleeping peacefully – the only sight Hansol had been dreaming of since his feelings
towards the man in front of him growing more than platonic.

The bed shifted as Hansol turned around, his back now facing Seungkwan's face. As Hansol
slowly drifts off to sleep, Seungkwan opens his eyes.
Late at night as the wind breezes crashed through his lighter hair, Hansol was looking at the
calm river in front of him. All these years, this exact spot, was him and his brother’s place to
hang out. Even before he moved into college and officially left the family, Seungcheol had
been dragging him to this river only to play with his little brother. Giving the best childhood
experience both of them deserved was taken a long time ago by their parents.

It has been almost a year since Seungcheol passed and Hansol is still not getting any better.
Each day, he would get into another big argument with his parents, in that hell hole called
home and in public. His father did not even bother to give him time to grief for his brother –
their oldest son for fuck’s sake. Hansol had been acting up in front of the public, going rebel
against his father’s orders to prepare himself to be the next heir.

“Oh, I didn’t know you would be here too,” Hansol’s body perked and turned his head only to
find Jeonghan. The older joins him to sit by his side, giving the younger a quick fist bump
before sitting down. “How’s school doing, Hansolie?” Jeonghan asked as he sipped his beer,
Hansol answered with shrugging his shoulders, “Ass.” Jeonghan choked on himself, letting
out a loud chuckle Hansol had heard since Seungcheol was gone, “Don’t do anything stupid.
Your brother won’t like it.”

There’s a silence enveloped into the room between the two men. The last time Hansol saw
Jeonghan was at Seungcheol’s funeral a year ago. To say the first time they talked again was
thinking back to the time they lost the most important person they had at the same time was
really something. Hansol wanted to ask Jeonghan at first, to ask about what happened, but the
older man had disappeared before he ever got a chance to ask.

“Were you there when it happened, hyung?” Hansol asked as his eyes still looked at the sight
of calm water. Jeonghan bit his lower lip, right hand squeezing the beer can he was holding.
“It was horrible. The first time I felt completely helpless looking at him on the ground like
that,” Jeonghan answered, lips quivering as he remembered what happened that night. They
didn’t know that they were holding both of their tears at the same time – until Hansol
couldn’t hold it anymore.

Jeonghan let his arm wrapped around Hansol’s body, letting the younger’s crying fill the void
of the night that was once full of laughter. Also tired of acting tough for a year, Jeonghan let
his tears stream down to his cheek. Whispering some comforting words against Hansol’s
head, telling him that Seungcheol doesn’t want both of them to be like this. But fuck that –
Seungcheol has left them and for the love of God, Jeonghan would smack the hell out of him
when they met once again in another life.
To end the night, Jeonghan bought a few snacks that Hansol loved for him to bring home that
night. He told the younger one to come home quickly, knowing tomorrow is still school days,
and he doesn’t want him to be lacking in study. Encouraging him that Hansol was the only
one who could avenge what Seungcheol would do if he’s still alive. Before leaving, Jeonghan
patted Hansol’s head, looking at him as he put a genuine smile on his face.

“Call me when you need help, yeah?” was the last sentence Hansol ever heard from
Jeonghan. The first time he heard it, Hansol only replied with a nod. Not long after that night,
Hansol heard the news that Jeonghan was found dead in his room by hanging. Hansol ran
away from home to visit the funeral after getting into another argument with his parents as
they called Jeonghan a failed son and how Seungcheol also influenced him – the way his
parents were still blaming their dead son, fucking sick in the head.

As today, Hansol was standing in front of the pictures of his older brother figures. Both of
them were smiling as they looked back at Hansol. It’s the end of the week since the day he
met Jisoo and Seokmin at the abandoned building, the day he almost died by getting punched
by the most asshole person he ever met in his life. Since that day, Hansol never brought up
the WONDERLAND in front of Seungkwan ever again, knowing the latter still not
approving his plan on showing up in front of the criminal organization for the second time.

Seungkwan won’t approve the idea but Seungcheol and Jeonghan will. Hansol decided to
visit the funeral home only to tell them what he will do tonight. “I’m sorry that I just visited
you guys now, I hope both of you won’t get mad at me in heaven. I swear I was trying my
best,” Hansol said as he snickered a wide grin at the older men’s pictures. His hands were
shaking inside his pocket yet he still continued, “I want to do something tonight. Still don’t
know how it will end. It’s just – I just want to know something. If it ends in the most
miserable way, I want you guys to know that in the meantime, we will be together again.”

As he returns from the funeral home, Hansol immediately waits in front of Seungkwan's
class. Peeking through the window outside to see Seungkwan with his professional demeanor,
presenting the current lecture to the students in front of him. All day long, they spent it
together from lunch to dinner. At night, Hansol let Seungkwan lay his head on his lap, both of
their gazes focused on the iPad screen in front of them.

When the time came, Hansol excused himself to go back to his room. Seungkwan tugged his
wrist as he stepped out from the room, "Where were you going?" Hansol could see the
skepticism and worriness from his face. Hansol tilted his head to the side as he smiled. Chest
tightens from the fact tonight would be the last time he ever sees the love of his life – hence
why he decided to lie, "I'm going to sleep early. I will see you tomorrow, okay?" He knew
Boo Seungkwan wouldn't buy the lie that easily, but he let him.

The chair from that night was still there when Hansol arrived at the abandoned building. He
then chose to sit on it, waiting the time until anyone would show up – WONDERLAND or
not. The breeze from tonight was colder than usual yet he still felt warm. Hansol was not
going to lie, he was afraid to die, yet he still felt excited to maybe land another punch on
Jisoo’s face tonight.

“You are sure a fucking stubborn one, aren’t you?” Hansol flinched and turned his head to the
back as he found Seokmin who was wearing a more casual attire tonight walking from the
dark side of the building. “I want to ask something,” Hansol answered, still determined
enough to know the truth, “You want to know what happened on that day, right?” Seokmin
asked, hitting the right spot inside Hansol’s gut, “Figured. I would be like you if it ever
happened to me.” He walk passed Hansol to stand in front of him, both hands were still
inside his pocket, “Bet you think Jisoo hyung was the one who will answer your question,”
Hansol was still silence when various of sounds were heard from the outside area of the
building, “He’s not the one who did it, Chwe Hansol.” Seokmin looked like he put so much
empathy towards the man in front of him.

The next thing Hansol heard was another footstep coming from behind Seokmin's figure.
There’s Jisoo’s voice that Hansol heard.

“I don’t know why we should do this, you know. I’ve done enough,” Jisoo’s voice came into
Hansol’s ears. Then another one followed, “I know you did, Shua.” Hansol’s eyes widened as
he heard the voice, looking at the figures walking from behind Seokmin. Jisoo’s figure came
into his sight, his expression was different from the other day when they met for the first time
after 8 years.

Unexpectedly, Jisoo chose to not let out an asshole small talk like he did a few days ago.
Jisoo stands beside Seokmin as the two of them make a way for another man presented
tonight. Hansol was not expecting – he didn’t believe anything in this world if he’s still alive
after tonight because what the fuck. In front of him stood Yoon Jeonghan with his jet black
hair, longer than he ever remembered, wearing a black coat in the middle of the cold night.
 Jeonghan was smiling, the same smile he gave Hansol the last time they met, “Hi, Hansollie,”
the moonlight tonight shines perfectly on the older man. Enough for telling Hansol that none
of this was a dream, “I got your call.”

Chapter End Notes

surprise?
 v. hansol and WONDERLAND
Chapter Summary

“Nonie –” Jeonghan called the younger’s most favorite nickname yet he was cut off by
him instantly, “Don’t –” Nonie is Jeonghannie hyung’s baby, right? The memory flashed
so fast in front of Hansol’s eyes. His hands were trembling as he showed a defensive
mode towards the stranger in front of him. “Don’t you dare to call me that,” Hansol’s
voice was stuck in his throat and Jeonghan’s heart sank, “You don’t have any rights to
call me that.” His eyes were glassy, holding up the tears that have been holding for 8
whole years.

Chapter Notes

the last chapter for the first arc of this fic: hansol and WONDERLAND is here! hope to
see you all guys still tuning in untill the end of the story hehehe <3

now onto the chapter!

Hansol stumbled at his feet as he stood up from where he sat. Jisoo stays where he is while
Seokmin’s right hand moves to the back of his pants, reaching out the gun that has been
nesting there for a long time. Yet none of them make any move, even for an inch, towards
Hansol. They were standing still as Hansol moved his gaze, looking at Jeonghan who raised
his right hand, telling them to stay where they are.

“Nonie –” Jeonghan called the younger’s most favorite nickname yet he was cut off by him
instantly, “Don’t –” Nonie is Jeonghannie hyung’s baby, right? The memory flashed so fast in
front of Hansol’s eyes. His hands were trembling as he showed a defensive mode towards the
stranger in front of him. “Don’t you dare to call me that,” Hansol’s voice was stuck in his
throat and Jeonghan’s heart sank, “You don’t have any rights to call me that.” His eyes were
glassy, holding up the tears that have been holding for 8 whole years.

Hansol’s hands were trembling, he didn't know what he was doing and what was his intention
to come here in the first place. All of his crying, all of his sacrifices, all the things he did in
his life instantly vanished in front of his eyes as he witnessed one of his older brother’s
figures show up with no bruises or anything else. He’s alive – Jeonghan’s fucking alive and
well. His feet were giving out as he breathed in and out harsher than usual – Hansol thought
he was going to pass out until Jeonghan spoke again.

“Minghao, you can lower your gun. What did I say about him not being a threat for my well
being? He’s with me – Chwe Hansol is my brother,” Hansol opened his eyes and turned his
head to look at the hallway behind him as he slowly lowered his gun. He then walked to
where Seokmin was standing, mumbling something in Chinese and Seokmin replied with a
shoulder shrug. Jeonghan let out a low sigh before giving an order to Jisoo, “Can you guys
leave us alone? This is going to be a while so please, listen to me for God’s sake.”

That sounded like an ultimatum from Hansol’s perspective. He had heard that a few times
when Jeonghan felt he was stressed at everything, some of them were caused by
Seungcheol’s idiocy. Hansol was still amateur back then, asking why Jeonghan was so
worked up with everything Seungcheol did – because he thought they love each other, a
couple should love one another rather than have to fight. Back then, Jeonghan only shot him
a small smile and patted his head, telling that he’s not adult enough to understand it.

Hearing the order, Jisoo nudged his head directed to the outside of the building. Seokmin
nodded, waiting for Minghao to walk along with him. As they finally left alone, Jeonghan
looked at another available chair in the scene and decided to drag it. He placed it in front of
Hansol’s chair earlier and sat on it.

“Sit, Hansol.”

“Why would I?” Hansol’s voice was still trembling, he couldn’t bear the shock and truth that
was revealed in front of his salad, “Where were you? Why – why were you even alive, right
now? Then – then whose ash was in the funeral home? Who – who did you kill, hyung?”
Jeonghan sighs, his face hardens as he tries to come up with a proper explanation to give the
younger’s closure to all of the questions. A realization hit Hansol’s gut as his knees wobbled,
letting him fall on the floor. “Did you kill him, hyung?” Jeonghan’s face turned into
something more desperate and it was enough for Hansol to let it all go, “Hyung – hyung! You
killed him, didn’t you? You were the one who killed Seungcheol hyung, did you?” Hansol
was sobbing this time, squeezing his jacket as he tried to warm himself up, he only has
himself right now.

Were you there when it happened, hyung? Hansol remembered asking. Yet he also
remembered the answer he got that day from the older male, It was horrible. He was
screaming against the cold floor below him. The smell of cement and dust didn't even bother
him as he let out all of his tears.

Jeonghan walked slowly to where Hansol was crying. The younger unconsciously let
Jeonghan take him into his embrace. Just the same gesture as he did a few years ago. Hansol
doesn’t understand, but he found himself sobbing against Jeonghan’s shoulder – he doesn’t
want to admit if Jeonghan was really the person behind Seungcheol’s murder yet he still
found himself as a hypocrite crying in his brother’s murderer's embrace.

“Nonie – Nonie, you got it all wrong. Your brother had to do it,” Jeonghan whispered in
Hansol’s ear. Hansol’s ear perked up, his eyes were still red as he pulled himself from the
embrace. “Wha – what do you mean?” his eyes were searching for the truth behind
Jeonghan’s gaze, “What do you mean he had to do it?” Hansol’s breathing slowly gets back
to the usual pace. Jeonghan wiped the tears from his cheek, looking at him with full fondness,
“God, Hansollie. You’ve grown mature now. It hurt for me to watch how you grew from the
sideline and couldn’t do anything when you were wronged by your own family. Just like
what your brother had been through all those years.” The older man grabs something from
inside of his coat’s pocket, showing Hansol a small package of yogurt with the flavor Hansol
loved to consume back in his younger days, “Here, please drink first and I will explain to
you. All of it, from my perspective.”

Hansol was still confused but he took the offer. Silently chewing the yogurt from the
package. Jeonghan sat in front of him while cupping his jaw with his right hand. Sometimes
in between Hansol's chewing, he let his left hand brush against Hansol’s black strands, fixing
the hairstyle so he could look more handsome tonight.

“Seungcheol has something your family wants, it belonged to the family but it was hidden for
a long time. He stumbled to it because, you know, he’s stupid, right? He wants something to
blackmail your parents and he has it. Seungcheol had to die to continue what he was planning
from the start. You know how much he hates his own family, right? The plan was all working
up until now. Look at how WONDERLAND works right now. It was all because of him.
Seungcheol had to do it, because he couldn’t do it if he’s alive. He had to die to start the new
phase of the plan.”

Hansol was in silence as he listened to Jeonghan’s explanation. For some parts, he understood
the reason behind all of these lies. The news, the funeral, the ashes – they were all lies.
Jeonghan witnessed how Hansol’s hands were still trembling, it was too much for someone
like him to process the information all at once.
“Hey, do you want to meet someone cool?” Hansol looked at Jeonghan in confusion, “I think
he might like you.”

Sometimes Hansol feel his life was a fucking sitcom. He just did not step into a crime
organization’s business, who happened to be led by the son of the corrupted prime minister,
and almost died by his punch the other day. Then, he decided impulsively if he could take all
of the matters into his own hands, because, you know, he is the youngest son of CHOI
CORPORATION. What he did would probably mirror how Seungcheol did years ago –
wrong, he did not reflect anything that Seungcheol did, he felt pathetic.

Now, he was in the middle of chewing his favorite yogurt flavor that was given by his alive
(fucking alive) brother’s boyfriend who was possibly being another suspect of Seungcheol’s
murder. All of the reasons that Jeonghan said Seungcheol had to do it so his plan could
continue, Hansol didn’t buy all of it. It’s just – it doesn’t make any sense for his brain’s
capacity. Seungcheol doesn’t have to die, it was never that serious, wasn’ it? Their family
problem?

It wasn’t, was it?

There's shouting coming from the outside area of the building. A loud voice comes in
exchange with another loud one. Followed by several thumping sounds against the ground
and the closed door. Hansol didn’t have enough time to proceed with what was happening
before the door was forcefully opened and the love of his life was being dragged.

“CHWE HANSOL YOU’RE GOING TO DIE BY MY HANDS FOR REAL RIGHT

NOW!” Seungkwan wails full of anger and it makes Hansol’s body shiver. The shorter guy
was struggling to get rid of the grip Seokmin and Minghao had against him. Hansol saw
through Seungkwan’s eyes, it was redder and his cheek was puffier than the last time he saw
him – Seungkwan was crying. Jeonghan looked at the younger couple back and forth, a small
smile was created on his lips yet it’s mischievous from what Hansol was thinking right now,
“I guess your precious Boo will tag along this time. Like you guys always have been.”
Hansol didn’t get a chance again to reply to those words, because Jeonghan stood up first.
Ordering Seokmin and Minghao to let go of their grip against Seungkwan. Hansol also stands
from where he sits, preparing for the full blown anger he will get from the most important
person in his life. Since the start of their relationship, Hansol was ready for the day
Seungkwan would tell him how disappointed he is towards him, after all the things they’d
done together.

As he said, this wasn’t the way he wanted their relationship to end. He was ready for a slap, a
punch in the gut, a kick in the shin – anything. Yet the least expected happened, he received a
tight hug around his body as Seungkwan’s head sneaked into below Hansol’s jaw. Hansol’s
eyes widened, letting the warmth from Seungkwan’s body transferred to him, followed by a
quiet sob against his chest.

“Don’t you dare do that again, you stupid fuck,” Seungkwan cursed against his chest. Hansol
blinks, his eyes looking at the other men who were presented in the scene. Minghao looked
like he’s not having any of it, Seokmin closed his mouth with his hand, Jisoo was nodding at
the scene, and Jeonghan just smiled. Seungkwan pulled himself from Hansol’s embrace and
turned his body to face the other men then he bowed, “I’m sorry about what I did. You can
punch me in the gut right now.”

Jeonghan put both of his hands to the front, “No, no, no. Why would we do that?”

“Oh, the guy who stands beside you did that a few days ago.” Jeonghan whipped his head to
face Jisoo. “What? I did what I needed to do!” was his defense, “No, no. As I said before,
you took it too far,” Seokmin jumped into the conversation, ignoring the glare he got from the
older man. Hansol pulled Seungkwan to stand behind him, his hand lingered to where it
should’ve been – Seungkwan’s wrist. “Oh, you guys did something stupid again, right? It was
probably a good idea to put you with Jun later on,” Jeonghan nudged his head to the outside,
asking Hansol and Seungkwan to follow him, ignoring Jisoo who was groaning loudly, “No!
Noooooo! Anyone but Jun! Not Jun!”

The younger boys followed them until they were seated in a car with Seokmin driving and
Jisoo sat beside him. Jeonghan sat beside Hansol, giving him the center position, and
Seungkwan by his side. Minghao was right in front of his motorbike, crashing through the
night breeze of tonight. Hansol tightens his grip around Seungkwan’s hand, calming the
nervousness that he could feel only from the movement of the other’s hand against his.
It took them around a 30 minutes drive to get where they headed. Hansol peeked through the
window to see a massive house in front of them as the car passed through the gate. It
probably has around three stories, Hansol thinks as he took advantage of his architectural
knowledge. Judging from the nervous to thrilled expression of Seungkwan, Hansol could
know the latter, also thinking about an imagination of the said building’s blueprint in his
head.

Jeonghan stepped out from the vehicle, followed by Hansol and Seungkwan. Minghao is
nowhere to be found. “He probably has other things to do,” Jeonghan says as he replies to the
several bows from other people who stand on each of his sides, giving him and his guests the
path to walk into the building, “It’s late at night. The other guys were probably working in
their respective bases.” Hansol nodded, still holding Seungkwan’s hand while the other man
was bowing to each person he met.

The first floor of the building was built as a lounge for the subordinates of WONDERLAND.
They took their time to catch up with each other’s job. There’s a room filled with all kinds of
games, said even though they were criminals at this point, they were still adults with a
childhood taken by them from a young age. Hearing the statement, Hansol looked to where
Jisoo stands as the other man was speaking with one of the subordinates there.

Walking up by the stairs, Hansol was met with a maze full of doors left and right throughout
the floor. “This was a designated room for our important people. Some of them are bedrooms
for them to rest, some of them are not,” Jeonghan said. Seungkwan raises his hand and
Hansol slaps his own forehead, he acts like they were in some kind of campus class or
something. “For example?” Seungkwan asked for curiosity.

As Jeonghan wanted to answer, there’s a loud boom! sound coming from one of the rooms
available on the floor. Except Hansol and Seungkwan who were holding each other for dear
life, the others were seen unfazed by the sound.

“That was Soonyoung.”

“Who is he? Another son of a corrupted conglomerate?” Hansol asked, ignoring Jisoo’s glare
pierced through the back of his skull. Jeonghan shook his head and Seokmin answered, “Nah.
He’s just our mad scientist.” Seungkwan wanted to ask again but Seokmin shook his head
frantically right now. They move on to the next floor, deciding to not talk about the said
scientist anymore.
Arriving at the highest floor of the building, there was only one big door in front of them. For
a quiet moment, all of them were just standing while staring at the door. Hansol heard some
whispers from the back; I don’t want to do this! This is like, the most humiliating part of my
life! Jisoo whispered loud enough to Seokmin who replied put that fucking pride back to your
throat or I will shove it myself with something. Jeonghan turns his heels to meet Hansol’s
eyes.

“Are you ready? This is the person I really want to introduce to you,” The smile that
Jeonghan was wearing was not a genuine one – it’s playful, like he has something under his
sleeves. Without even thinking, Hansol nodded. Seokmin then opened the door, letting
Hansol and Seungkwan experience the biggest room they had ever entered in their life and
welcomed their sight. Jeonghan immediately announced as they stepped into the room,
“We’re home.”

Hansol sees an empty work desk placed in the middle of the room. There were a few shirts
and other clothes scattered on the sofa – even on the floor. It’s like the owner of the room
doesn’t give a shit about cleaning. There’s a thump thump thump! sound coming from the
other side of the room.

“Hannie, where the hell have you been going?” Hansol’s body freezed. The voice’s owner
slowly showed his presence, still looking at the paper he was holding. Realizing no one
answered his question, the person lifted his head, “Han –” and the ability to speak suddenly
stuck in the throat. Hansol’s knees felt like he got hit by the deadliest bullet he ever know
because he’s so fucking weak to stand right now.

The owner of the room is his brother – Choi Seungcheol.

 vi. hansol vs WONDERLAND
Chapter Summary

For a matter of fact, Hansol did remember what happened after Seungcheol was gone.
The blame their parents gave to him, talking like they didn’t put the burden on him was
not the cause of it. On the next day, Hansol was not given the time for his grief and was
still dragged to another conference or seminars replacing his brother’s place. Hansol
remembered the whisper filled with venom from one of his cousins against his ear when
the mentor of a certain business counseling opened the seminar show.

“You’re Choi Seungcheol.”

Chapter Notes

i may or may not disliking how i write this chapter. probably minor edits will come in
near future but nonetheless, welcome to the second arc!

oh yeah there's a new tag yes i love the maknae line and yes the other members will
show up in this chapter

See the end of the chapter for more notes

“Kwan, I need you to let me go.” As much as Hansol loves the way Seungkwan’s arm is
wrapped around him, he needs to do something. Seungkwan was also in silence, he spent
most time with Hansol and it’s enough time for him to be familiar with the latter’s older
brother – in front of him, he’s fucking sure Choi Seungcheol, who was supposed to be dead,
was standing alive and well. “‘Kwan,” Seungkwan lifted his head, looking at the
determination expressed from Hansol’s eyes, “I promise I won’t do anything.”

There was no intention of Seungkwan to meet Jeonghan’s gaze as his sight focused on
Hansol and Hansol only. But in the middle of this unexpected reunion, he found Jeonghan
mouthed something to him.

It will be fine.
Seungkwan squeezed Hansol’s hand and the latter returned with the same gesture. It was
reassuring, plenty of times they had done this to each other yet it’s still electric to feel it every
time. Jeonghan turned his direction towards where Seungcheol was standing as he walked.
Seungcheol blinked, his mouth agape as he let Jeonghan take the papers from his hands.

“Cheol,” Jeonghan called and Seungcheol glanced at him with his big puppy eyes, “Let him.”

Hansol remembers running. One of those days when he could find Seungcheol standing near
his school’s gate, it told him enough that the older male had successfully bribed their maids
for him to be the one who picked him up. Despite already leaving the family and holding a
bad reputation their family created to tell the business and politician world to not have any
relationship nor engage any professional activities regarding work with their eldest son – yet
their maids were still by their side in this situation. Hansol remembered running towards the
older’s embrace, hugging him tight that almost made the two of them fall to the ground.

The same feeling had finally resurfaced today. When Seungkwan lets go of his hand, Hansol
sprints. There were tears brimming in his eyes yet he still found his way back to his brother’s
embrace – Seungcheol looked the same, he got older, his hair was longer, probably the same
length as Jeonghan now, but he’s here. Hansol hugged him tight, sneaked his face to
Seungcheol’s neck the same as he did in their good old days.

“Hyung –” Hansol choked on his own tears, holding on his brother’s shoulder for his dear
life. Seungcheol wrapped his hands around the younger’s body, pulling him close into his
embrace. “You’re alive – you’re – you’re alive – I –” Hansol holding Seungcheol’s neck for
his dear life – it has been 8 years since he felt helpless and in the midst of that feeling, there’s
a hope. He pulled himself from the hug, still crying like he did when he was a baby, “It’s –
it’s been hard – it’s been hard without you I – I don’t know what to do –”

Seungcheol wiped his brother’s tears on his cheek. Chuckling, smiling widely as the same
sight he was craving for all these years finally showed up.

“I’m here, Hansollie,” Hansol felt the weight on his shoulders were lifted, “Hyung is here.”
Hansol cries again, the memory of when Hansol was still afraid to sleep alone and he would
make a scene to keep Seungcheol by his bed. Seungcheol was still chuckling, also letting his
tears fall on his cheeks before hugging his little brother again. His eyes found where the other
people presented in the room were at – looking directly to where Jeonghan is.
Jeonghan passed the same look yet he’s holding back his tears. It’s been hard for the two of
them, witnessing how much Hansol has grown these past years from the sidelines yet they
couldn’t do anything much to protect him directly. The least thing they did was setting him
up to be the protector of the neighborhood as WONDERLAND had to step back from the sun
for a few years. It was a lie if none of them didn’t move an inch to threaten anyone who
wronged Hansol throughout his high school years – they had a lot of work back then until
Hansol enrolled into a prestigious campus and met Boo Seungkwan.

Speaking of Boo Seungkwan, Jeonghan turned his head to look at the younger who was still
in silence. “Hey, Boo,” he called and Seungkwan glanced up to him, “Let’s give them some
privacy, yeah?” Seungkwan looked skeptical at first, but he nodded. Knowing the best thing
Hansol got right now is back to his family’s side. As they walk out from the room, Seokmin
talks to Seungkwan, “Hey, Seungkwan. Maybe I can introduce you to Soonyoung –” and the
door was closed behind them.

It took Hansol a whole 10 minutes to come down from his crying. The brothers were now
sitting on a sofa. Seungcheol sprinted to where his personal kitchen is to fetch some of
Hansol’s favorite snacks and his favorite too then place it on the table in front of them.
Without even being given an instruction, Hansol took one of the snacks and opened it.

Seungcheol looked at him in silence. Smiling softly at the sight he’s been dreaming these past
years. If it’s been hard for Hansol, then it also has been hard for him too. The feeling of
wanting to get him out from that stinky family, yet he still couldn’t burn them down as the
years count until they will choose Hansol to be the next heir.

“Why did you do it, hyung?” Hansol asked, eyes finally looking at Seungcheol ones.
Seungcheol hums in reply, mixing the tteokbokki with its sauce in a plastic bowl in front of
him. “I’ve been chosen as the next heir since the day I was born, you know? Been into
political shits since I was young. There were too many things that I shouldn’t have seen since
I was young. Some of them, you were there, but our parents won’t let you in because it
should be me and only me. Do you know what they did? Do you know about what they did to
the neighborhood family that worked for one of our construction sites?” Hansol could see
how Seungcheol squeezed the spice sauce into the tteokbokki – it was like seeing him
spilling the blood of the life of the wrong ones. “I saw how they died and were replaced the
next day. Thinking for a moment that I should do it for myself, besides killing them from the
inside isn’t enough. I really should build something,” an army, Hansol thinks, “to attack them
on the face. You know what happened after I was gone.” Seungcheol beams at him, grinning
widely and he takes a mouthful of tteokbokki.
For a matter of fact, Hansol did remember what happened after Seungcheol was gone. The
blame their parents gave to him, talking like they didn’t put the burden on him was not the
cause of it. On the next day, Hansol was not given the time for his grief and was still dragged
to another conference or seminars replacing his brother’s place. Hansol remembered the
whisper filled with venom from one of his cousins against his ear when the mentor of a
certain business counseling opened the seminar show.

“You’re Choi Seungcheol.”

Enough for acting like an obsessive family towards someone who’s not here anymore. Hansol
knows his family won’t work if Seungcheol isn’t there. He glanced towards his brother who
was still munching the side dish. Putting different kinds of food on his plate for him to eat.

But you still left me, Hansol thinks as Seungcheol told him about how he's been doing all this
time. You threw me to the wolf as an action to protect me, Hansol took another kimbap into
his mouth, chuckling slowly as Seungcheol choked on his own. You took everyone that I
thought to be the one who’s going to help me through it, Jeonghan’s smile after 8 years
flashed in his mind. I don’t know whether I should forgive you for all of that but, Seungcheol
beams at him with a smile and that’s when Hansol looks at his finger – a ring, I’m glad you’re
happy.

When Hansol asked about the first time he encountered WONDERLAND back in the
abandoned building, Seungcheol’s eyes widened. “Huh? I didn’t know all of that. Well, I
knew about the part where the safe was built like your project. Because we have it,” then it’s
Hansol’s turn to widen his eyes, “It’s a nice framework, Nonie. I thought when the time came
when I would show up in front of you, I wanted you to be by my side like when we were
young. The team may need some skillful architecture for further work.”

“Then all of it was Jeonghan hyung?”

Seungcheol nodded, grinning,” You know how he is. I think he’s too fed up with how our
plan flows and took the matters into his own hands.” Hansol was munching his food when he
asked, “Does that mean whatever both of your plans were involving me?” Seungcheol
answered by raising his right eyebrow. There wasn’t any answer to the question because the
door was suddenly opened and Jeonghan showed his head part only to their direction,
“Apologize in advance, my favorite boys. But the kids were already in the meeting room. I
guess their dad should be present there as soon as possible if you don’t want one of them to
snap.” Hansol didn’t realize he missed their interaction when he saw the same smile
Seungcheol gave to Jeonghan – it was still the same as when Hansol met Jeonghan the first
time at the riverside, nothing changed.

Hansol wondered if he would ever be at their position one day.

“Got it, baby. Keep them in their places for a while, yeah?” Seungcheol replied and Jeonghan
gave him a thumbs up before disappearing. “Okay, let’s go to the meeting room. It’s late to
come home so I want you to witness all of it, Nonie,” his brother ordered and Hansol
followed.

The meeting room was located on the same floor. When Hansol stepped out from the room,
he could immediately locate where the room was. There were various sounds coming from
the only unclosed room that was available on the 3rd floor of the building itself. Most of
them, according to his own hearing, were chattering that was followed by some laughter
afterwards.

Hansol was walking behind Seungcheol as he always does – following his brother
everywhere, because his brother’s path was also his, it always has been. He was looking
down to the ground when the chattering sound suddenly stopped. When he lifted up his head,
Hansol was already standing in the doorway of the meeting room. All eyes were at him,
specifically at Seungcheol and he realized something – that Seungcheol really does
something to the atmosphere of the room.

The tension was not intimidating, it’s just there. Even in the midst of an intense atmosphere,
Hansol’s gaze still finds the sight of his Boo Seungkwan. Seungkwan was trying to tell him
something but the gap between where they were standing was too big. Hansol was trying to
keep his poker face, knowing there were several eyes looking at him with a suspicious gaze.
He didn’t realize that Seungcheol witnessed the recent telepathic exchange between the two.
“You know,” he whispered to his brother, “You can sit with your boyfriend.” Hansol didn’t
remember the last time he whipped his head so fast towards his brother and Seungcheol only
chuckled. “Go on, take a seat. The meeting will start soon,” Seungcheol said as he nudged his
head towards where Seungkwan is. Hansol nodded and followed as he told, at the same time
as Seungcheol who walked through the big round table to sit on his seat at the center area of
the table.

Hansol whispered several of excuse me, I’m sorry, excuse me, oh I’m sorry, coming through
until he sat beside Seungkwan.

“What the hell are you trying to tell me?” Hansol immediately asks the other man when he
finally sits down. Seungkwan only snickered to him and dragged someone’s shoulder to show
Hansol. “Chan?” Hansol breathes out who immediately gets his mouth shut by the younger
one. He then talks with his eyes, asking questions such as what the hell are you doing here?
You’re supposed to be at home in the neighborhood! Your mother would be mad to know
you’re not at home at this kind of time! For a brief second, something clicked. Ah – does
Chan also part of their plan? “Hyung, you need to shut up for a moment, okay? I didn’t
know you would be here sooner than I expected!” Chan tried to explain to the older male.

The room was still in silence filled by murmuring here and there. Seungcheol was in a
conversation with Jeonghan who sits beside him. Jisoo was cupping his jaw with his right
arm, left arm placed on the table as he tried to make some rhythm to kill his current boredom.
Seokmin was currently looking at the file on his hand and the other people who presented
there were left unknown for Hansol’s information.

When Seungcheol gives a light nod towards Seokmin, the other man nods as he stands up.
“Good evening, everyone. Thank you in advance for everyone who made it their time to
come to this meeting tonight. We’re going to talk about the request of the city mayor’s
defense division who wants us to keep an eye on every business and politics man for the gala
next week in our _WORLD’s theater and club’s main building in Seoul,” Seokmin started the
meeting and flip the paper he was holding, “For the first presentation will be conducted by
the head of our offensive and defensive division, Junhui hyung, you may start.”

Junhui or Jun, Hansol thinks, start talking about the security the building they own has. When
the screen projector showed the blueprint of the building, Hansol immediately knew which
one it was. He was skeptical at first when he heard the name: _WORLD’s theater and club –
it’s one of the most famous theater places and it also has a nightclub placed on the other side
of the building. It was unexpected for him that the building was owned by the
WONDERLAND.
When Jun finished his presentation, Jeonghan asked, “What do we know about the current
mayor’s defensive head?” Seokmin flipped his paper again and whispered a question to Jisoo
who sat beside him. Minghao then chimes in, “It’s not possible if he’s the same as the current
one. Because you know, the latest one, he was already –” then he motioned a slice gesture on
his neck. Hansol felt Seungkwan tensed under his grip. “Ey, what did we talk about to not
talk like that in front of Channie?” Soonyoung asked as he leans against the chair while
Minghao rolled his eyes not giving a fuck.

Jun then continued saying that they still didn’t know who the current one is.

“But we can be sure if the diamonds were secured at where he is. I’m going to be the one
who protects it underground,” he then peered at a certain someone – someone who sits beside
Seokmin, “Shua hyung do you want to –” Jisoo shakes his head immediately. “I’m not in the
mood of punching someone at the moment, sorry,” he excused himself.

Then there's a stuffed laugh coming from Hansol’s left. Seungkwan was trying not to laugh at
the interaction that just happened. If the situation is different, Hansol would laugh as well.
The problem is they were in the middle of some criminal organization’s meeting and
laughing is the least thing they should do at the moment.

Jeonghan shoots Hansol a gaze, I like him, he is trying to say and Hansol is still bowing to
apologize for what Seungkwan just did. Everyone in the room moved on except Jisoo. The
next person who will present their result was Seokmin as one of the agents in the field agent
division. As he was preparing for the result of the guest list that the waiters will serve at the
next gala, Jisoo raised his hand.

“Can I ask something, Your Highness?” Hansol remembered that tone – the same tone Jisoo
used to annoy Seungcheol for years. Hansol witnessed Chan sink on his seat, “Oh, here we
go.” Seungcheol let himself breathe in first before replying, “What is it, Hong Jisoo?” Hansol
looked at Seokmin who was trying to put Jisoo in his place but the older man ignored him as
he stood up. Then his hand was pointed directly to where Hansol and Seungkwan were
sitting, “Why are they still here? I thought this meeting was only reserved for the team
members,” Jisoo looked at their direction with the same gaze he used back in the abandoned
building – the sheep in wolf’s clothing, “As I remember, we didn’t have any new members
these past few years.” Seungcheol answered, “They were here because of me,” then Jisoo
scoffed.
 It was the most annoying thing Hansol ever heard but go off he guess.

“Of course they are. The leader needs his baby brother to burn their family down while using
the needs and anger of his own organization’s members, aren’t I right?” Hansol could see
how Seungcheol was clenching his fist on the table, trying to not fall into the prime minister’s
provocation anymore. “Or if you were trying to recruit your little brother, then do it like you
did to us. I have no tolerance towards nepotism, Seungcheol-ah. Neither do the rest of us,”
Jisoo slurred mockingly, knowing he’s already getting into Seungcheol’s nerves.

There's silence in the meeting room. In this mere silence, if Hansol was also part of the
members and witnessed the same thing enveloped in front of him, he would agree with what
Jisoo said. Wow, that was the first time I agreed with him, Hansol thinks to himself. There’s
someone who stayed silent since the meeting started who raised his hand.

“I agreed with what Shua hyung just said,” it’s Lee Jihoon – the CEO of _WORLD’s theater
and club, “What you did right now was pretty disrespectful towards the rest of us. We really
know how much you cherises your little brother and we have been empathized enough on
what he should’ve been through with your family. Yet, he’s still not one of us – he’s one of
you. If you want to recruit him as our member, then do it like we usually did. This scenario
happened before, we don’t want it to happen again in the future.” Well, that’s the best way to
emphasize the situation, Hansol thanked Lee Jihoon from the bottom of his heart. Jisoo shot
the CEO with his cat smile, “Thank you, Jihoonie. I know you’re the only rational person in
this room.”

When Jisoo comes back to sit on his chair, Hansol stands up. He bowed to Seungcheol’s
direction, ignoring the bewilderment coming from Jeonghan.

“I apologize for joining without thinking about how the rest of you feel. It has been a nice
day for me to finally meet my big brother again and his friends. I wish you guys the best of
luck and this may be the last time you will see me in this building. Please excuse myself.”
Hansol bows again before tugging Seungkwan’s hand to walk out from the meeting room. No
one was stopping them, Hansol also didn’t see Seungcheol holding Jeonghan in his place,
letting them go. The last thing they heard was Soonyoung asking, “AT LEAST TELL ME
HOW MY POISON DID THAT NIGHT FOR TESTIMONY!”

Chapter End Notes

no, i didnt say all of the members will be in WONDERLAND
 vii. hansol vs seokmin
Chapter Summary

All of that except Chwe Hansol. Hansol was different, he’s his own paradox. He’s Boo
Seungkwan’s paradox and Seungkwan has no intention to end the journey here. His
naive thoughts were thinking that these past four years he had already unraveled the
magnificent kaleidoscope curved into the present Chwe Hansol until tonight telling him
no, it was just all the beginning.

The walk back to their campus dormitory was unexpectedly silent. Both of them only walk
side by side without giving too much talk on what happened tonight. It would be a lie if
Seungkwan doesn’t dwell on what Hansol was thinking at the moment. Sometimes he took a
glance towards the taller man who decided to walk on the asphalt side rather than the
concrete.

Seungkwan thought it was half of his fault when he couldn’t hold his laughter in the meeting
room. At most times, he could control his face if he knew where he was – he knew where he
was, but it was too much to handle and he decided to handle it by laughing. If someone told
him he would be sitting in the meeting room of one of the biggest country’s threat criminal
organizations later tonight when he finished telling some lectures to the students at day, he
would laugh and smack that someone’s face. Sometimes, his life was too funny to think
about.

All of that except Chwe Hansol. Hansol was different, he’s his own paradox. He’s Boo
Seungkwan’s paradox and Seungkwan has no intention to end the journey here. His naive
thoughts were thinking that these past four years he had already unraveled the magnificent
kaleidoscope curved into the present Chwe Hansol until tonight telling him no, it was just all
the beginning.

Their dormitory building slowly emerged to their sights. Seungkwan was looking at his
phone lockscreen and the time was telling them it was already past midnight. He himself
doesn’t have any schedules other than his TA lecture at noon, probably he will spend the rest
of it dwelling on his thesis project. When Seungkwan turned his heels towards Hansol to ask
a question, he didn’t expect to face a sniffling Hansol in front of him.
“Kwan,” a sniff came out and Seungkwan didn't realize how red Hansol’s eyes were, “Can I
stay the night in your room?” Hansol’s face expressed that he was too overwhelmed to take in
all of the information he received tonight. He may not show it explicitly but Seungkwan
knows – Hansol knows Seungkwan is the only one who is able to understand it. Hence why
he let Seungkwan intertwine their fingers together, let the latter pull him into his room, “You
don’t need to ask,” Seungkwan says and Hansol gives in.

For the record, they were just sleeping together. Hansol still manages to wash up and change
outfit into a more casual outfit, borrowing all of them from Seungkwan. He also just realized
that he left enough of his outfits inside Seungkwan’s closet. Hansol also dozed off until
afternoon hits, waking up with Seungkwan’s absent knowing the latter’s campus schedule.

The man decided to stay in Seungkwan’s room until he had the energy to stand up and start
his day. Which never happened even the time was telling him it has already past noon and he
still didn’t have his breakfast yet. Hansol stares at his phone, the sight of the riverside stares
back at him being used as his lock screen, with an empty notification box. He was hoping if
Seungcheol or Jeonghan had their ways to contact him, asking him if there will be a chance
for the three of them to reunite properly without getting in other people’s way like they used
to back then.

A split of thoughts occurred in his brain to try to call Jeonghan’s number. Yet the thought of
the recent meeting about WONDERLAND affiliation with the city mayor stopped his
intention, they would probably be doing their own things at day. Hansol locked his phone and
curled on the white sheets belonging to Seungkwan’s bed. Another hour of sleeping won’t
bother him at this point.

Hansol’s eyes were slowly fluttering open when he heard the clicked sound of an opening
door. Seungkwan’s home, he thinks under the blanket of his curled position on the bed. He
lifts his eyes to meet Seungkwan’s when the latter gets rid of the blanket covering him.
Seungkwan doesn’t seem happy knowing Hansol was still on his bed while the time is
currently moving forward to evening.

“What were you doing?” Seungkwan asks with both hands on his hip. He still has not put
down his backpack elsewhere and just storms off to mind Hansol’s business. “Sleeping,
forgetting the reality,” Hansol’s voice came out hoarser than he expected, “I don’t know,
Kwan. You tell me what I need to do.”
“You haven’t eaten anything yet, have you?”

“No. Don’t think I need to,” Seungkwan scoffs and pulls Hansol from his curled position to
sit up on the bed. Hansol whines and Seungkwan covers his mouth with his hand, “Come on,
let’s go to the campus diner.” The younger man stares at him with an unamused gaze, then
Seungkwan continues, “My treat.” Hansol blinks and he sprints to the bathroom.

The diner was located not that far from the campus dormitory building. It is a weekday so it
makes sense if it is packed with students who are currently studying or chatting with their
friends. Both men chose the seat near the entrance door’s window. Seungkwan lets himself be
in charge of ordering the food and Hansol lets him order whatever he wants – Hansol eats
everything, everyone knows it by heart, except peanuts.

They end up ordering non stop. Hansol kept eating like he was starving, which was normal. If
the phenomenon occurred in reverse, Seungkwan may be in panic right now. He also loves
watching Hansol eat, somehow it gives him a satisfied feeling in his stomach.

Hansol was in the middle of savoring his third dish that day when Seungkwan asked
something, “Are you okay?” their gazes met halfway with Hansol munching the soft texture
of the pancake inside his mouth. “Yeah,” Hansol nodded and swallowed it down his throat.
Seungkwan nodded slowly, stirring the straw in his Americano’s drink, “No, I was just
thinking that all of it was too much for you. I didn’t know how I would react if I was in your
shoes. Thank you, I guess, for not holding back like you used to.”

“What did you mean by that?”

“I meant that you were emotional. Letting your tears out in front of me. You were so calm
and collected all these years, even when you were talking about your brother. The day at the
abandoned building was the first time I saw you crying like that. I thought I knew you well
enough, but no, you still surprised me along the way.” Seungkwan sipped into his Americano
after saying all those compliments towards Hansol. It is an honor for him to witness how
Hansol developed from time to time – from a timid new college student thinking about his
own family name to a vigilante who loves violence and thrills rather than doing it logically (it
was burdensome at most points, but you got him). Normally, the latter would only smile and
brush it off.
Instead of brushing it off, Seungkwan met with Hansol’s sad gaze. It was the same gaze he
saw last night, with him sniffling and holding his tears streaming down.

“Do I look like my brother?” Seungkwan was taken back by the question. To answer it
honestly, they did resemble more than everyone would have expected. Being the brother of a
criminal organization’s leader was not on Seungkwan’s headcanon list but here they are.
“You do. Both of you looked so much alike that you would never imagine,” Seungkwan
answered.

“So I’m just a person who looks like Choi Seungcheol?”

“No,” It’s Hansol’s turn to seem taken back at the answer. Seungkwan took a slice of his
pancake, pour some maple syrup on it. Seungkwan added his statement as he stared into
Hansol’s dark orbs, “You’re Chwe Hansol. Always have been the only Chwe Hansol.”

Seungkwan took his bite without realizing he took Hansol’s heart too.

Eventually, both men bounce back to their usual daily lives in no time. Hansol went back to
his routine as a part-timer in the convenience store, serving all the looks and hospitality given
to the bunch of various customers he met in a day. He also spent a lot of time working on his
thesis projects rather than doing the same vigilante shits again. Knowing WONDERLAND is
back and learning they had far much more influence in the neighborhood, technically it
belongs to them, so Hansol decided to stay away.

One day though, Hansol decided to visit the neighborhood since the abandoned building
thing happened alongside Seungkwan. They met Mr. Jung invited them to the little festival
dinner the neighborhood was currently holding. Normally, they were treated as equals,
Hansol and Seungkwan were treated as one of their young adults – their sons. Yet, right now,
as Hansol arrived the elder head households collectively stood in one line before bowing to
him in unison.

Staring at the sight, Seungkwan's mouth gaped and Hansol didn't know what to do. "The first
time we asked you to help us, you were just a new college student, being born into that filthy
rich family," the chief was talking about the CHOI CORPORATION, "and now, we
acknowledge you as Choi Seungcheol's younger brother. The same person who shared the
same ideology as him, the neighborhood's true leader." Hansol felt uncomfortable because
this was the first time someone, people exactly, talked so highly about Seungcheol. He shifted
his eyes to meet Seungkwan alongside Chan who were telling him to just say thank you then
move on! and so he did.

That night, Hansol and Seungkwan learned about Chan's true identity. They met him through
the neighborhood and knew that Chan was also one of their campus's students, enrolling in
another social based major in different areas of the campus. Hence why they only often met
and hung out when they were in the neighborhood. Hansol also learned about what
WONDERLAND is doing these past few years.

"The older guys were busy working on the overseas affiliation organizations. Most of them
were government, private investigators. It was always the oldest ones – Seungcheol hyung,
Jeonghan hyung, and Jisoo hyung. Jun hyung also took care of the ones placed in China,
giving the whole responsibility of the offense and defense to Minghao hyung. The rest of
them were taking care of what was happening in the country. Hence why they built the
theater company. I usually worked there as a part-timer, Seokmin hyung also did some plays
when he was still in college," Chan explained when they were finally sitting on the sidelines,
in a much darker area far away from the center of the crowd. "Actually, Seungcheol hyung
had been looking out for you since high school. Despite getting information about you
through me throughout college years." Hansol frowns, demanding a further explanation, "You
went into a prestigious international curriculum based in high school, right?" He found
himself nodding at Chan's question, "Jun hyung was also placed there as your senior. You
probably forgot judging on how you acted a few days ago but that's not the case right now.
Jisoo hyung did his tricks and just helped him to be a new transfer student."

The first thing Hansol thought was; he really protected me, huh? So, all of that was not just
an all talk only? Hansol found himself staring blankly towards the popsicle he was holding
before Seungkwan tapped his shoulder, letting his hand wrapped around him.

"Now, why don't we talk about how you lied to us for these past four years, Lee Chan?"
Seungkwan asked and Chan groaned, "I said I was sorry already!" and their usual banters
continued.

Almost a week since the brothers reunion, Hansol received a food delivery with a note from
Seungcheol and Jeonghan. It was written to tell him to eat more than was given and to not
neglect his sleeping hours. They were currently busy working on their own business with the
outside world and telling him they would be fine – fake death won't be involved in any
occasion. Last but not least, there was a baby picture of himself printed in polaroid attached
to the note, baby Nonie 2000 was written on it.

"Aw, you looked cute," Seungkwan cooed when they went out recently in a bowling alley
after he got out of his lecture hall. Hansol rolled his eyes, focusing on the white pins that
were placed at the end of the line. "What was their business with the city mayor, by the way?
We only knew briefly from Chan that they have what your family wants and coincidentally,
all of the conglomerates in the country also want it," Seungkwan brought the topic at the
same time Hansol hit a strike. He turned his heels to find Seungkwan clapping at him
excitedly, giving him praises, "I don't know. I only knew a little about the diamonds. Hyung
told me about it when we were little and I thought he was joking."

Hansol shrugged his shoulders and took another bite of now empty french fries. Both men
suddenly got into an intense staring contest, competitively through telepathy trying to argue
on who should buy another portion of the french fries. The next thing they do is rock, paper,
scissor shenanigans. Hansol came out as a winner and Seungkwan scoffed.

"Thank God, you're attractive."

"You're falling for me, aren't you?"

Seungkwan replied with an unrecognizable smirk before turning his heels and walking to the
snack counter. Leaving Hansol standing there with mouth agape. Since the night he had been
telling what he was feeling towards the latter, aside from avoiding saying the three words,
Seungkwan had been acting differently. Not that Hansol was complaining, it was just – what
was he doing?

Hansol then decided to get back to his bowling activity. Hitting several strikes consecutively.
He didn't realize he had talent in bowling though – he's suck at sports in general but why
now? What happened? Hansol couldn't help but stare at his right hand that was wrapped with
a bowling glove. This should mean something right? Will there be some shit happening
today?

"Oh, you're good with bowling, huh?" Hansol's hand stopped while he was reaching out the
new bowl that rolled out from its cave. Turning his head to the sound direction, his eyes
widened. "Can we join you, Chwe Hansol?" Seokmin asked as he let his left arm wrapped
around Seungkwan's shoulder who was holding their french fries. Beside Seokmin is
Minghao who is currently eating his own french fries.

Ah, Hansol thinks, I talked too fast. Hansol thought Seokmin and Seungkwan had been
familiar with each other since that night. But when Minghao wore his bowling gloves, he
challenged Seungkwan to a one-on-one bowling match. Seungkwan loves challenges,
especially if it will tightens his relationship with potential colleagues. So he left Hansol with
Seokmin and their french fries.

Hansol was in silence, focusing on the sight of Boo Seungkwan in front of him. Seokmin
stares at the two back and forth, curving a small smile on his lips.

"You have the same look as Seungcheol hyung when he stares at Jeonghan hyung," Seokmin
comments. Hansol wanted to say something, but he closed his mouth immediately. That was
enough to say he didn't deny the similarity and the feeling expressed through his action
towards the latter. Seokmin dipped his french fries into the sauce, "I want to ask you
something," th3 older man said as he took his bite, "This is about the meeting the other day,
the thing that Jisoo hyung said about you joining the organization."

Hansol's ears perked up at the same time when Seungkwan hit another strike. He turned his
focus onto Seokmin's direction, both eyes glowing.

"There will be a test. As he said, we have our own procedure with this kind of thing. That's
why I came here." Hansol nodded and Seokmin continued, "This is about the city mayor's
defensive head's identity. You will be with me when I represent the organization to escort the
mayor's son to the gala in a few days." Another nod coming from Hansol before he asks a
question, "Do you guys already know who they are?" Then there's a different smile showing
from Seokmin's lips.

It's a sad one. There's a longing lingers through it – like a disappointment, a betrayal.

Then Seokmin nodded and answered, "He was one of us." Hansol's chest tightens, "He was
also Seungcheol hyung's little brother."
 viii. hansol vs wonwoo
Chapter Summary

“I need you to promise me that you will come back to me –” Seungkwan chokes on his
words, “– alive, Hansol. I need you alive.” Hansol kept his silence, letting the latter
continue on what he should say at the moment. “I don’t care if you need to do this
because you need your brother’s validation on what your morals are towards your
family. If you want to end this alive, then do it for me. I might be selfish Hansol, but I
don’t want to lose you. Not to the hands of your own family or other criminals
organization. I trust you,” I love you, was left unsaid at the end of Seungkwan’s tongue,
yet the silence lingers between the two is enough for Hansol to understand what it
meant. Seungkwan then took a step forward and let both of his hands wrap around
Hansol’s neck, tucking his face on the other male’s neck.

Chapter Notes

never had any intention to give verkwan their slow burn yet i need to them to suffer
somehow. anyway new added ships and tags!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Hansol found himself agreeing to go through the test procedure. It was all planned, right?
Even if he’s not getting persuaded like this by Seokmin, Seungcheol would probably try to
find another method to bring him to his plan. To prepare for the meeting with the mayor’s
defensive head, Hansol had to stay the night in the WONDERLAND headquarter, which
meant the building when he reunited with his brother. Later that night after the encounter
with Seokmin and Minghao, Hansol found himself preparing all of his clothes and putting
them in his sport bag.

After all of them are set, Hansol throws the bag around his shoulder to face Seungkwan who
had been accompanying him all this time. Seungkwan’s face was enough telling him that he’s
not on board with all of this. Hansol had already seen the horror from Seungkwan’s
perspective if he ever got beaten up by someone who has a bigger power than him – both in
physical and material. Both men were only staring at each other in silence, Hansol still
couldn’t find any words to comprehend how hurt he is to leave Seungkwan like this – it’s like
the day he decided to go back to the abandoned building by himself and Seungkwan still
followed him there.
In the end, Hansol was still not letting out any words because Seungkwan beat him to it.

“I need you to promise me that you will come back to me –” Seungkwan chokes on his
words, “– alive, Hansol. I need you alive.” Hansol kept his silence, letting the latter continue
on what he should say at the moment. “I don’t care if you need to do this because you need
your brother’s validation on what your morals are towards your family. If you want to end
this alive, then do it for me. I might be selfish Hansol, but I don’t want to lose you. Not to the
hands of your own family or other criminals organization. I trust you,” I love you, was left
unsaid at the end of Seungkwan’s tongue, yet the silence lingers between the two is enough
for Hansol to understand what it meant. Seungkwan then took a step forward and let both of
his hands wrap around Hansol’s neck, tucking his face on the other male’s neck.

Hansol took him in and hugged him tight. Breathe in the scent of the familiar perfume
Seungkwan always uses for all these four years. All of their memories together flashed in
front of the younger’s eyes and he tightened the embrace. Afraid that he would not lift up to
the expectation Seungkwan gave it to him.

“I need you to promise, Nonie.”

“I promise,” it came out as a whisper against Seungkwan’s neck, yet it’s enough for the other
man to confirm it. The two of them walk out from their dormitory building while holding
hands, getting various reactions from Seokmin, Minghao, and even Chan who is also present
at the parking lot. Seokmin nudged his head to let Hansol sit at the passenger seat and that
time Hansol let go of Seungkwan’s hand. “Promise me you don’t do anything stupid,” Hansol
heard Minghao say to Chan who replied with a loud whine, “I never did anything stupid,
okay? I have always been a good brother to all of you!” Hansol may not ever see a smile
curving on Minghao’s lips, like ever, since he met him at the abandoned building.

Yet for tonight, Minghao grins widely as he pat Chan’s head.

“Yeah, I know that for sure,” the Chinese man replied. Seokmin called out to him to
immediately sit on his seat in the car. When the engine starts, Hansol stares at Seungkwan
and Chan who were still standing while giving them a small waving hand. Then the scar
starts not so short after that, moving into the main road and leaving the dormitory building
complex behind him.
The ride to the headquarter was mostly silent. A soft, not so loud jazz song filled the car and
Hansol let himself asleep for a while in the passenger seat. Seokmin said in their first 10
minutes drive that they will immediately hop into the plan meeting for them when they
arrive later on. So, it’s the best time for Hansol to take a quick rest right now.

When Hansol’s eyes slowly opened up, he was welcomed by the darkness surrounding the
car. The engine had already stopped and both men sitting in front of him were unbuckling
their seatbelt. Hansol’s eyes then meet Seokmin who turns his head behind, giving him a
small smile, “We’re here, Hansol.” Minghao had already stepped out from the car and Hansol
followed them afterwards from behind.

It is another experience for him to walk into the building from the basement part. He never
had any suspicions if the building even had a basement, but thinking about it again, they
really should have one. Hansol found himself walking into a smaller meeting room than
when he saw the last time he was here. He already suspected that this room was the armory
room, with the interior darker than the bright ones he saw at the upper floor in the building,
this room was solely made for keeping all of their weapons in any form.

Hansol put his bag on the available table in the center while the other two men were busy
taking something from the shelfs in the room. He witnessed Minghao pulling a moving
whiteboard that was hidden at the corner of the room, showing multiple pictures and red
threads that were attached on it before disappearing again after placing it in front of the table.
Hansol learned that the sketch that was drawn on the whiteboard looked like a floor plan of a
certain room, probably the mayor’s office? Seokmin came back to the table after getting the
documents in his hand. One of it was pushed by him on the table, sliding it in front of
Hansol’s sight, silently telling him to read it.

Then of course, he complies, he needs to know what kind of person he will face tomorrow.
When Hansol opens the document, it is indeed a profile of a certain someone. The problem is
Hansol had never seen this person in his life, maybe he’s not one of the sons of the higher ups
conglomerates or governors. But the information that was written on it was intriguing – at
least for him.

“Jeon Wonwoo,” Hansol spells out his name in the silence of the room, “He’s the mayor’s
defensive head?” his eyes met Seokmin and apparently Minghao who were already back in
the meeting room. Seokmin nods, “He’s the one who ruled all of the bodyguards to guard the
mayor and his family. Well for the Gala later on, it will be the son only. Because, you know,
the mayor –”

“He’s dead,” Minghao cuts in with an unfazed expression.

Hansol looked shocked and Seokmin, on the other hand, let out a heavy sigh. Judging from
his reaction, it has happened quite a few times.

“Minghao, we talk about this.”

“What? It’s the fact,” Mingaho looked unbothered and turned his head to face the whiteboard
behind him. Seokmin stares back at Hansol again, “Yes, Jeon Wonwoo is the defensive head
that works for the mayor. Here’s the problem though,” Hansol quirks his eyebrow, showing
interest, “Jeon Wonwoo doesn’t work for anyone.” There’s a weird tension flying in the
room, it’s like someone will probably hear about this in any other second. “Wonwoo hyung –
I mean, Jeon Wonwoo, tends to pick sides that will give him more profit and chaos. This
time, maybe for his fortune, it’s the mayor’s side. But we can’t confirm that in instance,
because the mayor himself has been dead for a few months now. He was killed when Jeon
Wonwoo was only a few months working for him.”

A murder happened after a stranger came into the house, Hansol thinks as he flipped the
document in front of him. Several pictures were taken on Jeon Wonwoo moving in and out
from the mayor’s office. He was seen often guarding the son of the mayor himself, Kim
Mingyu – was famous for a professional gambler in Korea’s night town despite being the son
of the mayor. Kind of people that make Hansol’s blood boil.

Hansol looks up to Seokmin again as he asks a curious question, “So, your suspicion was that
he killed the mayor? He was one of you too, right? Does he have the skills?” The question
that was thrown at Seokmin made Minghao whip his head to the younger man for instance.
The gesture made Hansol lift both of his hands, “I’m sorry if it sounded offensive to both of
you. Just want to tell you that I don’t know anything about your history and also this Jeon
Wonwoo. This is the first time I’ve ever heard about him.”

Seokmin nods, “That’s fine. Well, Jeon Wonwoo –”

“Wonwoo hyung was the main attacker for WONDERLAND. He’s deadly and merciless on
the field, never seen anyone being his friends or foes, he would kill you in a second if you
ever did something wrong from his perspective,” Minghao cut in with the longest sentence
Hansol ever receive from the older man, “Him, Junhui, Soonyoung hyung, and Jihoon hyung
was our special offense unit that specializes in every of WONDERLAND’s assassination.
They were –”

“BUREUL JIPYEO.”

Seokmin and Minghao’s eyes widened at the sudden cut off coming from Hansol. The
younger man was currently leaning against the chair he was seated on. His gaze looks
focused and interested at the topic they were in, despite being only a vigilante for the
neighborhood for four years. But Hansol was the same person that would literally burn alive
people to the ground that had wronged his people, whether if they were working for someone
or abusing power for fun.

“Heard of their name only, don’t know if they were WONDERLAND’s though. My brother
built that unit by himself?” Hansol was more interested in how Seungcheol could find people
like them to work together and somehow annihilate various underground organizations that
were owned by the conglomerates. Minghao nods, “They were individually trained by the
older guys. Jun hyung with Jisoo hyung, Soonyoung hyung with Jeonghan hyung, and the
rest were with Seungcheol hyung,” then he looks at the picture of Wonwoo attached on the
whiteboard. Seokmin then continues, voices were low enough yet Hansol still hears it clearly,
“They were good until Wonwoo hyung wanted more. More power, more responsibility, more
validation from Seungcheol hyung and yet, the one who was given the authority was Jihoon
hyung. That’s when the theater company was built.” Hansol stares at the picture belonging to
Wonwoo at the front page of the document he holds.

The fox coded face that deceived a lot of people in his life, telling them that he’s innocent at
some point. Yet behind all of it was the most cunning people that ever were born in this
world. Hansol could feel his skin shiver at the thought of facing this kind of person on the
next day. He had already faced many people that had bigger authority than him, but this guy,
he just knows he’s different.

Hansol opens his mouth to speak before the door behind him suddenly barges open. All three
heads in the room whipped their heads to the door to find Jun wearing an apron. Hansol never
heard the fastest flip of a whiteboard that occurred behind him and yet Minghao did it easily.
He doesn’t have to see the awkward smile given by the two older men when the person who
barged in peeked his head through the space between the door.
With his clueless face, Jun asks, “Dinner anyone?”

“He heard it, didn’t he?”

“There’s no way he didn’t.”

Hansol slurps on his hotpot while watching Seokmin and Minghao exchange dialogues in
their conversation. They were currently in the headquarter’s dining hall with Jun going back
and forth to put another plate on the table from the kitchen. There was an unsure gaze coming
from the two men in front of him, like they were that afraid for Jun to know about who they
were going to face tomorrow. It all crashed when Jihoon and Soonyoung stopped by at the
dining hall though.

“You three will meet Wonwoo tomorrow, right?” Jihoon asks while putting his bag on the
table, letting Soonyoung cooed at the smoke from the hotpot when he took off the lid.
Minghao freezes and Seokmin nods carefully, there’s a thick silence enveloped in the room
while Hansol continues to eat his meat. Jihoon nods his head slowly and takes his plate,
“Good luck.” Then he continued to scoop a bowl of rice to his plate, doing the same for
Soonyoung’s while the other man was busy making another dish in the kitchen.

The night has eventually ended sooner than Hansol expected. He finally gets his own room
on the building’s second floor, looking at a tuxedo set placed on his bed. There’s a small note
tucked on the blazer that caught his attention. Hansol makes time for himself to wash up first
before sitting by the bed to read the note.

hansollie, this is hyung. i apologize that i won’t be there when you do the mission with
seokmin and minghao. i put my trust in them to take care of you and i trust you completely to
give them, give the organization, on what you can do. hyung and jeonghan will be home by
the end of tomorrow night then we will go on another walk in the river like usual, yeah? this
is the tuxedo you should wear tomorrow, because i know you don’t have any tuxedo since you
bought it before entering college. take care and eat as much as you want, there’s a snack
corner for you in the dining hall.
we love you,

from the best brothers in the world!

seungcheol and jeonghan.

Hansol untangled the thread that was circled around the tuxedo. Looking at the jet black
blazer and pants, they also give him a white pale shirt – it is just a normal set of tuxedo and
he’s thankful for it. He didn’t even pack a formal suit from his dorm because, as Seungcheol
said, he didn’t buy one after entering college. Because there’s no need, wearing the same shirt
all over again for occasional presentations won’t kill him.

There’s a knock on his door and Hansol immediately puts the tuxedo back in its box. “Hi,
Hansol-ah,” the person who knocked on the door was Seokmin, “Sorry that I disturbed your
night. Just want to tell you once again that we will leave at 9 in the morning tomorrow.
Sounds good?” Seokmin looked fresh after showering, he still had his gray towel on his hair
that made Hansol blinks at first before nodding in agreement, “Okay, cool. Minghao is still in
the garage to check the car, I’m going to be here at 8. Let’s pray I don’t have any shifts in the
hospital tonight.” The guys, Hansol and the other men in the dining hall recently, had a few
rounds of beers even though he declined that he didn’t want to get drunk early but Seokmin
insisted. It was all because Soonyoung wants to get to know him more, but in a tipsy
situation, which never makes sense.

From there, Hansol learned about Seokmin being an intern surgeon in one of the hospitals in
Seoul. Which also doesn’t make sense judging on how he works outside the hospital. Hansol
gave him a quick nod and Seokmin beams at him with the widest smile. With that only
Hansol ends his night and drifts to sleep on his new bed.

Tomorrow comes quicker than he expects it. Why does the world move faster when he
doesn't want to? Not that he doesn’t want to do it quickly, it’s just – he needs to process it.
Around 8.30 in the morning, they all settled at the garage while waiting for Seokmin to
change clothes. He barged into the headquarter while still wearing his surgeon attire – Hansol
wanted to ignore it but he noticed the blood splatters on the white fabric.

Minghao was talking with Jun in chinese. Hansol also tried to ignore it but with the
sensitivity of his hearing and the noticeable display of affection that Minghao gave, he
couldn’t help it. Because the way Minghao acts was the same when Seungkwan held him to
not go back to the abandoned building that night. They were a thing, that’s for sure – also,
Hansol understands chinese.

“ Don’t come, ” Minghao whispers as he holds Jun’s hand. Jun stares at him with wide eyes
before laughing until his head is leaning back. “ No, baby. I won’t come, okay? I will be
damned if Jisoo-ge ever heard of it. Plus, Seokmin will go with you. His ass will be kicked in
no time, ” Jun replies, reassuring. Hansol looks at his shoes, thinking that what Jun just said
sounds familiar somehow. Ah, Hansol realizes as he hears Seokmin’s footsteps inside the
garage, I also lied like that.

Then they took off to where the mayor's office resides. The office is, like every government’s
office should’ve been, located in the central city of Seoul. Well, it is the Seoul mayor they
were talking about. As much as Hansol knew about the condition within the mayor’s family,
the one who took the responsibility of his place was the mayor’s little brother, who is
Mingyu’s uncle.

It is reasonable enough for Mingyu to not immediately take the position after his father died –
he doesn’t have the skills. Hansol also learned that Mingyu is only a year older than him, he’s
still amateur in every aspect. A kid that was forced to be in politics from a young age. They
don’t know anything about the real world unless they try them all.

The question is, did he try it already?

Hansol found himself stepping into the mayor office’s greek themed interior. Despite being a
Korean, the architecture really love the most controversial incest politics folklore. Minghao
stays in the parking lot while Hansol and Seokmin let themselves be escorted to another
office. When the door was finally closed, Seokmin let out a quiet sigh.

“Hansol,” Seokmin calls and Hansol stays focused, “Watch and learn, okay? Keep your head
clear –”

“You don’t have to do that, Seokmin-ah. It’s not like this is the first time you’ve ever seen
me.” Hansol stares at how Seokmin stopped in the middle of his sentence. “Oh, except you,”
Slowly Hansol turned his head to see a man walking from the dark hallway in the room,
“You’re new.” Wonwoo put his briefcase on the table, in silence his stare pierced through
Hansol’s skull.
Remember when he thought it would be different when he faced Wonwoo? Yes, but he didn’t
expect to be this different. Wonwoo’s not intimidating, props to his calm collected face and
those fox eyes that reassure its prey to calm down and bring up the best hospitality to tell
both of them to sit on the empty seats in the room. There is a silence between the three of
them. As Wonwoo lifted his eyebrow and looked at Hansol’s face, he then let out a low
chuckle.

“His plan has come this far, hasn't it? To think he really did bring you into the mess he
created himself.” Hansol’s eyes twitched, he almost lost his composure before Seokmin put
his hand in front of him, telling him to stay in his place. “We’re here to talk about the escort
of Kim Mingyu, Wonwoo-ssi,” Wonwoo lift his eyebrow again, intrigued at the tone Seokmin
uses to address him, “There’s no time to talk about how we do, especially our leader, for
these past years.”

“Is it? Then you can tell your friend to put down his bow that was pointed at my head, can
you?”

Seokmin’s breath stilled and Hansol looked confused. What was he thinking? Hansol asks
himself. Wonwoo still unfazed on his seat, telling that he’s serious about what he said. Hansol
wanted to ask Seokmin but the other man was also confused.

“There’s no way –”

“Oh, there is a way, Seokmin. Remember that we were the one who made that blueprint of
this office?” Wonwoo asks the younger man, “Stop pointing at me, Wen Junhui. Come down
and talk to me yourself.” Junhui? Hansol asks, the same Junhui that just laughed an hour ago
in the garage? He could hear a few steps from the outside door – probably Minghao. But
then Hansol sees a figure jumping down from the ceiling of the room.

Both of his and Seokmin's eyes widened to see Jun walk out from the hallway with a
crossbow – the edge of its bow pointing at Wonwoo as he walked from the dark. Wonwoo
glanced towards his ex-colleagues, his family, with a small smile curved on his lips. There’s
so much history between how they exchanged glances that is not enough to unpack in one
day.
 “You think I’m going to go easy on you when you step into the theater building for the first
time after all these years?” Jun asks with much venom filled in each word. The trickster Jun
that Hansol saw last night was gone. Nonetheless, Jun is one of BUREUL JIPYEO – the
deadliest assassin team the underground has ever encountered. Wonwoo chuckles, still
looking at Jun in the eye, “Oh, I’m not going to show myself in front of them. There’s no way
I’m going to show up in front of all of you,” then he glanced towards Hansol and Seokmin
before going back to Jun, “But I’m going to take those diamonds from you. Remember that
the one who built the quick runaway route in that building was me.”

It is easy for Jun to just pull the trigger of his crossbow. Behind how composed his figure,
he’s trembling. Wonwoo noticed that and let himself lean against the back of his work chair.
Both of his hands were placed on top of his stomach.

“There was no meeting in the first place because I already know the older guys went abroad
today. That left the ones who control the in-country business. I just want to let you know that
Mingyu’s going to be safe in the Gala, you guys no need to have an extra guard to keep an
eye on him because he doesn’t know anything about the diamonds and the upcoming
rumored assassination. Well, it’s his problem though. But for me,” Wonwoo straightens his
posture, looking at the three men dead in the eye, “I know how valuable those diamonds are.
Especially for a certain family.”

Hansol almost marched against Wonwoo if he was never stopped by Seokmin’s figure in
front of him to hold him down. Wonwoo laughs with amusement – it’s like he expected this
to happen since Hansol walked into the room. To bring his family’s name and especially Choi
Seungcheol’s biggest weakness in his life – their lives. Hansol gritted his teeth as he deadly
stared at Wonwoo.

“God, you both are indeed brothers.”

“Seokmin, bring him home,” Jun growls, “Now.” Seokmin nods and complies, dragging
Hansol out of the room. It was like seeing history repeat itself.

That the CHOI CORPORATIONS’s brothers were still lost against Jeon Wonwoo.

Chapter End Notes

im going to have so much fun with 96z
 ix. hansol vs jihoon
Chapter Summary

Seungcheol shakes his head and throws his hand to wrap around Hansol’s shoulder,
somehow the older still doesn’t realize the strength he has beneath him, “No, no. We’re
going out.”

“Where to?”

“The riverside,” Seungcheol answers and Hansol still stays silent, “What? Do you still
have any homeworks to do?” Did you finish your homework? It wasn’t the same yet it
felt like one. Hansol let out a low sigh and Seungcheol beams at him with the widest
grin, “Come on, Jeonghan’s already in the car.”

Chapter Notes

STREAM SUPEEEERRRRRR

The existence of the diamonds that were kept by WONDERLAND is a blemish for CHOI
CORPORATION’s reputation yet it was also a blessing. A thief won’t tell if they were
actually a thief – they will tell that the things that they stole were theirs. The diamonds were
found in several places across South Korea, with the latest one found in Jeju Island, where
the current construction led by the company was held. Those diamonds were worth more than
a half of the country’s worth, enough to pay its debt to the neighboring countries.

Yet ironically, it was stolen from their safest bank in the country. There was no specific thief
to be accused until today but around a week ago, the news of the accusation of Hong Jisoo to
be involved in the stealing have resurfaced. Jisoo was rumored because of his long time feud
with the oldest Choi – deliberately always being compared with him from leadership and
maturity in front of the public. Both of them were famous for acting rebellious in front of
their parents, the public, and especially towards each other.

Regardless for Hansol, these past few days are enough for him to learn the similarity between
the two – or three, including Jeonghan. The three of them were the oldest in the organization
hierarchy, they were respected. All of them were earned by them whilst building the
organization from the ground. Hansol was enough to learn about how their younger brothers
think about them, especially for Jisoo from Jun and Seokmin's perspective – especially
Seokmin.

Hence when Hansol walked into the headquarter from the front door, he found Jisoo standing
in the middle of the lounge while crossing both of his hands on his chest. He stopped on his
track with Seokmin and Minghao did the same behind him. The older man kept his face calm,
but his cat eyed glare pierced through three heads in front of him. Hit the bullseye you must
say.

"Tell Junhui to meet me in the office," Jisoo says into the silence filled room, "The others will
follow when Cheol and Han arrive." All three of them nodded at the statement, including
Hansol (it's his instinct, naturally). Jisoo then tilted his head to the side, specifically landing
his gaze onto someone. That someone realized and took a step forward passed Hansol.

"Hyung," Seokmin calls, worried expression was shown on his face, "When did you arri –"

"You haven't picked up any of my calls since last night."

"I was in the hospital –"

"No, you're not –"

Hansol felt a tug around his right wrist. There's Minghao's hand tugging at him and initiating
to follow him out from the lounge room. Knowing what would happen if Jisoo and Seokmin
got into an argument. Hansol then complies, following Minghao to the dining hall.

In the dining hall Hansol sits on the same chair he sat last night. Staring at Minghao's back in
the kitchen who was busy preparing something. Since the drive coming back from the
mayor's office, Minghao had been quiet and worried. He was expressing more of his feelings,
solely focusing on what happened to Jun and what will happen to the other Chinese man.
Minghao came back to the hall to put Mala Xiang Guo on the table. Open up the lid to let the
smoke fly away through the vent. Hansol breathe in and he also fly away – it was fucking
delicious from the smell itself. Without any exchanging topic, both of them dive into the
food, letting the silence represent what they were thinking.

Hansol then spent the rest of the day inside his room in the headquarter. Seokmin stopped by
to tell him that he apologized for what happened. The plan should've been that way. Yet
judging from what Wonwoo said, even if Jun wasn't there, maybe the outcome would be far
worse than this.

"Oh, your brother is also here already," Seokmin says and Hansol sits up from laying in the
bed. The older man let out a light chuckle after witnessing what he just saw. "The meeting
between them will last for about 30 minutes? Approximately, if one of them does not explode
in anger at some point," Seokmin added. "Turns out that Jun hyung had already known about
Wonwoo hyung's whereabouts. That's why they want to take it as their matters because they
believe they were one that Wonwoo hyung owed, not your brother, and not even the
organization," Hansol stares blankly at the floor, trying to mirror what Wonwoo was thinking
when they met the first time this morning.

Seokmin then changed the topic to talk about Seungkwan. He said that Hansol could go back
to his dorm earlier than expected, if anything goes out of the rails once again. Hansol told the
older man about how he met his precious Boo, receiving an unknown smile from Seokmin as
he continued. Seokmin told Hansol to tell Seungkwan about his day frequently, knowing
maybe the latter would annoy the hell out of Chan to only get the recent news about him.

Hansol glanced towards his phone, showing the lockscreen of him and Seungkwan's back
facing the camera after another successful heist. Seokmin then excuses himself to find Jisoo,
thinking maybe the meeting has already ended. For a few minutes, Hansol goes back to his
scrolling activity on the internet. He will pack all of his things later before leaving the place
tomorrow morning if he’s really going back to the dorm earlier than expected.

Go back to wherever Seungkwan is.

He hears a knock on his door. When he opens it, Hansol faces the same grinning shit
Seungcheol always wears every time he’s up to something, “Hey there brother,” Seungcheol
grins as he leans against the wall of the doorframe. “Do I leave now?” Hansol asks, still
clueless and overwhelmed since the morning. Seungcheol shakes his head and throws his
hand to wrap around Hansol’s shoulder, somehow the older still doesn’t realize the strength
he has beneath him, “No, no. We’re going out.”

“Where to?”

“The riverside,” Seungcheol answers and Hansol still stays silent, “What? Do you still have
any homeworks to do?” Did you finish your homework? It wasn’t the same yet it felt like one.
Hansol let out a low sigh and Seungcheol beams at him with the widest grin, “Come on,
Jeonghan’s already in the car.”

Both brothers then walk side by side to the car that was already parked in front of the front
yard of the building. Hansol quickly picks up his hoodie and cap, letting Seungcheol ruffles
through the black strands of his because he’s his brother. They passed Soonyoung’s lab, the
door closed but the lights were still on, telling that maybe the owner was still in there. Most
of their men have already gone back to their posts, Hansol found Jeonghan sitting on the
driver seat, giving him a small smile.

“Hey,” Jeonghan says as his boyfriend and his precious little brother get into the car.
Seungcheol gave him a little peck on his cheek before Jeonghan turned his attention to the
younger one. “So, today went differently than you expected, right?” Hansol shrugs his
shoulders, he doesn’t even know what he would expect at first other than thinking Jeon
Wonwoo is dangerous for the society. “I don’t know, to be honest. I didn’t even know if I
would pass the test if I faced the kind of guy like him on my first day,” Hansol replies, giving
a thin smile towards the two older brothers.

The couple only exchanged silent looks towards each other. It’s a habit for two of them that
Hansol kind of missed, he smiles to himself after witnessing it again for the first time after so
many years passed.

Seungcheol then shoots him a wide grin, “Let’s focus on going back to what we used to,
okay?” Hansol nods in agreement and Jeonghan starts the car engine. It was also the first
time for Hansol to sit in the passenger seat behind while Jeonghan was driving. The three of
them hop on different kinds of topics, most of it with Jeonghan whining about the Japan part
negotiation towards the organization they had for days.
He then learned both older men’s whereabouts these years. Hansol was aware that his
family’s company had a long time feud with their branch in Japan, resulting they had to give
the branch to a stronger lineage family there that was rumored to be ruled by a yakuza.
Seungcheol had been involved in this feud and all these years, he had been monopolizing the
new branch under the name of the yakuza, with of course the permission from the family
themselves. Jeonghan has a good relationship with the Japanese family, often invited to their
small or big parties across the country.

Hansol also remembered that this new company had been in one of the business seminars that
he attended by force. There was a disagreement between his cousins and them before Hansol
stepped in to tell his opinion. He didn’t pick sides because the argument was not that
important to him. In the end, he once again got badly mouthed by his family, telling that he’s
too much being Choi Seungcheol at that moment.

The three of them arrived at the river side and hurriedly bought a bunch of snacks from the
nearest convenience store – like the old time. Hansol stares at different kinds of snacks in
front of him and chooses all of them at the end. Giving the widest grin he has for today for
Seungcheol. Whilst the older one only frowns before getting hit at the back of his head by
Jeonghan.

After getting their ramyeons, snacks, and colas, the three men sit at the side of the river.
Immediately dive into their perspective foods in front of them. The slurping sound coming
from Hansol curves a smile on both of his older brother’s faces. He still doesn’t know the
effect of his habit towards them.

“Hey, do you still want to help me with all of this?” Seungcheol asks when he sees Hansol’s
ramyeon cup is already empty. His little brother looks at him with a confused stare, “I mean,
you know, joining the organization. You shouldn’t if you don’t want to.” Hansol silently
chews the rice cake inside his mouth, glancing to Jeonghan for moral support. Jeonghan let
out a low sigh, “What happened today was outside our control. I mean, I saw it through.
Wonwoo was tough – he is tough, especially his grudge against us –”

“Against Cheol hyung.”

“Yes, importantly that,” Jeonghan leans back against the pedestal behind him, “But
Wonwoo’s alone. He works alone, he never puts his trust in everyone he works with. Well,
except BUREUL JIPYEO. They were –,” there’s a pause in his sentence as Jeonghan smiles
sadly, “they were his family from the start.” Hansol then silently connected the dots, “So,
that’s why Jun hyung did what he did this morning? Because Wonwoo hyung was still
thinking he didn’t owe them and yet he thought Seungcheol hyung was the one who owed
him?” Jeonghan nods and Seungcheol only smiles.

Sounds so tiring to act that way, Hansol thinks as he takes another bite of the rice cake in
front of him. The three of them then talk about something else, exclusively about Hansol’s
campus and love life. Jeonghan started his never ending teasing towards the younger one
about a certain campusmate. There were topics that Hansol heard and got himself thinking
though.

“When did Wonwoo and Mingyu meet though?” Seungcheol asks as he sips on his coke.
Jeonghan hums, “At that time?” Seungcheol curls an eyebrow, “At the bar?” Then he let out a
silent ah.

Hansol decided to not pry more about it.

“Do you want to work for Jihoon?” Seungcheol asked later that night when Hansol told him
he was still interested in helping his older brother. “You know, the theater company? I think
Chan has already told you that he was also doing a part time there. It’s not that hard, not to
compare with what you had today. But you will meet a lot of people,” Seungcheol added as
he munched his tteokbokki. Hansol hums, staring at the calm movement of the river in front
of him. “For the spoiler, he’s not that hot-headed compared to Jisoo. He’s just,” Jeonghan
frowns his eyebrows, thinking about a definite description to describe the little one,
“rational.”

Hansol was thinking about Seungkwan at the moment. He was thinking what the latter would
say if he told him that the test did not go that smooth. Then he should be working with Chan
right now or maybe in another position. Maybe he will join Jun later on to secure the
diamonds when the Gala happens – or not because he doesn’t know if he’s still alive when it
happens.

Staring at the complicated expression Hansol wears right now somehow troubles Seungcheol
in the inside. Then he suggests an idea that maybe can make Hansol in ease.
“You can take Seungkwan too.”

“No. I love him so much I don’t want to have a slightest chance that I would lose him for the
next second,” Hansol rejects the offer without missing a beat. Then he stills, realizing what
he just said. He glanced to the side only to find Seungcheol wide-eyed and Jeonghan holding
his laugh. Hansol stutters, “Oh, I mean –” the older brothers only react with nodding in
understanding, “I – yeah, you know what I mean. I guess.”

Seungcheol let his hand ruffles through the black strands belonging to his younger brother.
Hansol even let Jeonghan plant so many kisses on his cheeks, cooed at him by telling him
that he’s so much older right now. The three of them end the night with the youngest in the
middle, Jeonghan leaning against Hansol’s right side, and Seungcheol wraps his hand around
his shoulder. They stare at the river while the stars shine on them while the moonlight reflects
against the coke can on Hansol's grip and the two silver bands around the older fingers.

So much for reminiscing about the old days.

The next morning, Hansol finds himself packed with his sport bag and sits behind Minghao's
car. Seungcheol accompanied him until he left the headquarter – in fact, he slept in his office.
Jeonghan left to meet his family outside Seoul, because it's better for them to meet there. The
brothers shared one last hug for today, Hansol letting himself sink into the embrace of the
older one.

"See you tomorrow, brother," Seungcheol says as he pat Hansol's shoulder, "I promise you
will impress Jihoon. He loves Chan, he will surely love you too." Hansol only nods to reply,
squeezing the hand on his shoulder, "Can't wait, hyung."

Yes, Hansol agreed to work as a part timer in Jihoon's theater company. It will not be tough
work on the outside, on the inside, he should keep an eye on every person that walks in.
Especially near the safe where the diamonds reside. To impress Jihoon, Jeonghan gave him
an idea to bring his project's blueprints and other assignments to his office tomorrow.

Because there's a chance they will change the route Wonwoo built long ago in the building.
Arriving back in the dormitory, Hansol exchanges a quick fist bump with Minghao before
getting out of the car. Minghao shoots him a small smile. The two had been building an
unexpected friendship throughout Hansol's stay in the headquarter. Not that close, but
apparently according to Seokmin, Minghao had been growing fond of Hansol because of his
appetite (the Mala Xiang Guo, to be specific).

Without thinking twice, Hansol knocked on someone's dorm door. It only took him around 5
seconds for the owner to open it. Then there he is – Hansol staring at Seungkwan after almost
three days? Probably two or three for the two of them not meeting each other's eyes.
Seungkwan, on the other hand, doesn't know that Hansol would be home earlier than he
expected.

Home, home – Hansol's home.

"Han –" Hansol rushes to hug Seungkwan, breathing softly at the crook of his neck.
Seungkwan's eyes widens, but he circles his hands around the other's body. "Nonie?"
Seungkwan whispers. Hansol tightens his hug, letting out a soft chuckle when he realizes that
he is home, "I'm home, Kwannie."

Seungkwan blinks, yet he still takes Hansol in. They both chuckled against each other before
the door closed. The two of them spend the rest of the day staying in Seungkwan's room.
Ordering pizza and other snacks, cokes, and Seungkwan helping Hansol to find his other
projects blueprints.

While Hansol lies on the other man's lap, Seungkwan brushes his fingers through his black
strands. Humming softly to a certain song that makes Hansol grinning as they stare at each
other. The moonlight is shining through the window, showering its light upon Hansol's
handsome face. Seungkwan's heart hurts on how precious Hansol is for him.

"You're going to do great tomorrow," Seungkwan tells the other man, "Are you going to get
picked up again? Should I call Chan tomorrow?" They chuckles afterwards, Hansol grinning
so wide and Seungkwan feels his heart ache. Hansol shakes his head, "I'm going to go by
myself tomorrow. It's near, I can take the buses." Seungkwan nods, nibbling his lower lips,
showing even though he's happy for Hansol – he's still nervous. Hansol sensed that, staring
back at the older man, "I'll stay here."
"You think that works on me?"

"It is, isn't it?" The problem is, it is. The two of them sleep on the bed around midnight.
Because someone forgot where he put his project's blueprint, including his undergrad thesis
project. All of their fluff domestic time together were crushed with Hansol being scolded by
Seungkwan because of his recklessness.

The sun rises on the next day and Seungkwan represents himself as Hansol’s personal alarm
for the nth time in their fourth year friendship. While Hansol was showering, Seungkwan
took some of his clothes from his own room – styling him per se. He thought Hansol wouldn't
like it but the other man took the suggestion without commenting anything. Before he could
chase the bus at the campus closest bus stop, Hansol pecked Seungkwan’s cheek too fast for
the latter to realize what just happened.

Hansol walked into the theater company that was built like the ones they had in the state. He
stares too much on the ceiling until he remembers why he’s in the building in the first place.
Introducing himself towards the receptionist, who’s not Chan right now, and the person
instructed him to where Jihoon’s office is. Telling him that the boss had been in the office
earlier than him.

The walk towards the office has slowly made his knees go weak. Not because of the
stairways, no – the pressure though. This is not like the test for joining a crime organization,
this is like literally him going to apply to real work. Which it is, Seungcheol said that Jihoon
would probably pay him for being a real part timer in his company.

“He has like a lot – I mean a lot, ” Seungcheol emphasizes the two words, ignoring how
Jeonghan side eyed him, “ a lot of money.”

Hansol shakes his head then proceeds to knock on the door in front of him. While walking to
the office, he passed by the main stage where the theater usually holds. The scale was big, not
the biggest, but big. He also passed by the potential place where the Gala would happen in a
few days.
There’s a faint sound of come in! from the inside. Hansol opens the door, showing his
presence to the owner of the room. In front of him, Jihoon was sitting on his chair. The older
man leans against his chair, nudging his head to let Hansol close the door.

“There he is, the golden boy,” Jihoon coo and Hansol only give him a quick nod and don't
know how to react to the nickname. “Did you bring your portfolio?” Hansol nodded, showing
a bunch of tubes on his back, “Good. Let’s get started.” For the rest of the day, Hansol spends
his time showing various kinds of blueprints that he has worked on throughout his years of
study. Jihoon also brings out his building’s blueprint, telling Hansol about the route Wonwoo
has built explicitly towards the future architect.

Throughout the explanation, Hansol holds his sketchbook and doesn’t stop writing since
Jihoon started talking. His comments about his blueprints, his vision towards where they
should build another path for the quick runaway route – in case someone barged in and they
should take out the diamonds themselves. Jihoon was not once also compliments on Hansol’s
works, he even put interest on Seungkwan who he knows may be close to Hansol. Hearing
that, Hansol can’t hide his pink hues on his cheeks.

“I knew him from Soonyoung. He adored the kid. The way Seungkwan complained about the
poison hyped him up even more. He thought he’s crazy,” Jihoon told Hansol as he sipped his
coke. “Yeah, I think he’s crazy though,” Hansol confirms and judging on how Jihoon nods,
they were on the same page. There’s a silence filled between them after they both exchange
opinions about how the path should be built. It will start tomorrow and Hansol could assist
him from then on.

Hansol was staring at the various sketches he attached on the whiteboard of the planned
pathway when Jihoon asked.

“How was he?”

“Who?”

“Wonwoo,” Hansol stills, slowly turning his head to Jihoon, “How was he?” the older man
stares at him with hope filled in his eyes – hoping there’s an answer to the question he had
been thinking for all these years. Hansol shouldn’t be the one who answers it and yet he tries,
“He looked well.” Jihoon raised his eyebrow then let out a low chuckle, “He’s still the same
kid who spends his off duty hours cleaning the game lounge.”

Hansol’s gaze found a framed photo of four men laughing to the camera, hands on each
other’s shoulders.

“What changed?” he decided to ask and Jihoon stared at the floor. Softly Jihoon answered, “I
don’t know,” there’s a heavy pause before Jihoon exhales once again, “We don’t know.”
 x. hansol vs seungcheol
Chapter Summary

“Hey,” Seungkwan says softly when they were together in front of the possible
passageway to be made in the next whole week, “You don’t have to tell me what all of
this about, okay?” Hansol looks at him with sincerity in his eyes. The urge to not bring
Seungkwan into any of this mess, because he has a lot to do in the future, better
environment to live rather than having to stick up beside a corrupted family’s youngest
son. Seungkwan caresses his cheek afterwards, “Don’t think about the slightest chance I
will let you go,” Hansol trying to hide his widened eyes but the other man beat him to it,
“Or the chance of you to let me go.” Their relationship was still blurred with no exact
label to be explained to their closest friends.

Chapter Notes

totally not that much of loving this chapter and yes this is longer than usual chapters.
this is also basically me word vomitting, but still, i hope you enjoy it <3

It was enough to say that Hansol’s time being Jihoon’s intern assistant was full of
shenanigans of his older brothers. He meant the WONDERLAND’s older brothers, yes, his
and their relationship had already come into terms of him calling them his brothers.
Especially coming from Minghao and Seokmin, the three of them become very much closer
after his not-went-as-expected entrance exam into the organization. Hansol and Chan’s
relationship has always been established and the younger one also has always been his little
brother since they first met in the neighborhood.

Seungkwan also sometimes dropped by at the _WORLD’s office to annoy the hell out of
Chan who was trying to be professional in front of his many customers. He also doesn’t
forget to bring different kinds of foods for Hansol and the other members of
WONDERLAND that he met throughout their rendezvous. Seungkwan sometimes join
Soonyoung’s shenanigans to annoy Jihoon when he doesn’t want to take some rest despite
having his own rest time, because he’s the boss. Hansol stares at Seungkwan and Soonyoung
trying to steal Jihoon’s phone while he is sleeping on his desk with a wide grin plastered on
his lips.
Another reason why Seungkwan was invited to the office is because Hansol needs help.
Between the two, Seungkwan has more communication skills and a wider connection with
many people, an advantage being their major’s favorite TA. So Hansol made a promise
between the two to take the project together, he also convinced Jihoon and Seungcheol. Yes,
Seungkwan already met Seungcheol and Jeonghan in a proper meeting, the four of them also
hang out often together.

But Hansol didn’t want to tell Seungkwan what was the reason they made this secret
passageway in an enormous building. Hansol felt uneasy to hide around the bush in front of
Seungkwan. He did all of this for his brother and he knows Seungkwan doesn’t want him to
do that like he needs to. But, this is different, he has to do this or else their own family would
really destroy the whole parliament.

“Hey,” Seungkwan says softly when they were together in front of the possible passageway
to be made in the next whole week, “You don’t have to tell me what all of this about, okay?”
Hansol looks at him with sincerity in his eyes. The urge to not bring Seungkwan into any of
this mess, because he has a lot to do in the future, better environment to live rather than
having to stick up beside a corrupted family’s youngest son. Seungkwan caresses his cheek
afterwards, “Don’t think about the slightest chance I will let you go,” Hansol trying to hide
his widened eyes but the other man beat him to it, “Or the chance of you to let me go.” Their
relationship was still blurred with no exact label to be explained to their closest friends.

Yet they know they were more than friends and probably Hansol wants to keep it that way.

Because of his current part time job, Hansol tends to live in the headquarter rather than in the
dorm. He is also still working on his project that is now already in motion capture format.
Hansol is now a regular resident in the headquarter’s dining hall, often spending time there
while munching different kinds of snacks that were provided by Seungcheol solely because
of his love for food. Other members of the organization will also sometimes accompany him
until late at night.

Minghao often draped his baby green blanket over sleeping Hansol and his open laptop then
took his sleeping figure’s picture before sending it to the other members. It only took a span
of almost three weeks for them to treat Hansol as their little brother. Chan often sulks to
know he’s going to be replaced but then Hansol will buy him a lot of snacks and smack his
head in the end. He would never ever replace Chan with anyone else.
WONDERLAND has another meeting when it’s only five days until the Gala is held. The
meeting was more serious than the last time Hansol attended. Everyone is aware of the
person they should be focused on other than the conglomerates, government, and CHOI
CORPORATION at the Gala. Hansol also never saw a serious expression on Soonyoung’s
face but here he is.

“Jeon Wonwoo’s going to be there as the result of our meeting with him around a week ago,”
Seokmin says as his pointer points to Wonwoo's picture on the screen. Seokmin added
another explanation exhaling a few sighs, “There’s a possibility with him telling Kim Mingyu
about the diamonds whereabouts, knowing they were probably in an exclusive relationship
but nonetheless, Jeon Wonwoo had always been using the perfect timing around him.” The
statement received various nods coming from some of the members, including Chan who
probably knows the story behind it. Jisoo then chimes in after sipping his afternoon tea that
he prepared before the meeting, “We really shouldn’t have opened a bar years ago, aren’t
we?” The question receives chuckles coming from the others, some kind of inside jokes they
have within each other.

Soonyoung groans cheerily, leaning back against the chair he sits on. There’s a light hearted
situation enveloping the meeting room, but still tense though Hansol thinks.

“Nah, AMOR was one of our dreams and the business was successful. If it never happened,
we won’t ever see how Kim Mingyu loses miserably in front of Wonwoo,” Soonyoung tells
the people in the room with a small smile on his lips. Jihoon nods silently then Jeonghan also
agrees. It wasn’t only Wonwoo's friends from the same birth year who felt the change within
the man, it was all of them. Jisoo let out a low chuckle before commenting, “Yeah, I
remember that night. It was chaotic as hell.”

Hansol recognized the bar’s name that they mentioned: AMOR. One of the infamous bars
located in Gangnam where the most fun entertainment was held with lust filled air enveloped
in the room. He knows from the neighborhood that most of the governments and
conglomerates spend their time in that club. Learning that AMOR belongs to the
WONDERLAND was kind of wild because approximately three years ago it suddenly closed
down without giving a further explanation for the reason.

Seungcheol tapped his hand on the table as Jisoo turned his head to him, “Is there anything
you want to say, captain?” there’s no annoying tone coming out from his mouth. These past
weeks, Jisoo doesn’t get into Hansol or Seungcheol’s nerves. All of that was just him having
fun to annoy the brothers, he’s close with Jeonghan – Hansol even learned the one who
persuaded Jisoo to join them was the Libra man because Seungcheol rejected the purpose too
many times and Jeonghan decided to take matters on his own hands, again. Seungcheol
darted his eyes to the right side where Jun was seated, the offense and defensive head met his
eyes halfway immediately.

Jun understood the gaze and stood up. Jihoon and Soonyoung who sit respectively on Jun’s
left and right side were both staring at Wonwoo’s picture on the screen. There’s an
unreadable expression plastered on his face and somehow Hansol doesn’t like that. He
couldn’t imagine the situation if he was in their shoes, looking at their best friend’s picture as
the biggest traitor of the found safe haven they’ve always been craved.

“There will be a possibility where he will kill someone to get what he wants,” Jun says as he
stares at each pair of eyes in the meeting room, “I just want all of you to get armed. Including
Seungcheol and Jeonghan hyung who will be hidden as the Gala goes. Wonwoo may now
know what we were thinking, that’s why we let him get back into the building,” Jun pressed
his lips into a thin line before continuing, “Let him play his own game in someone’s house.”
Hansol could see a proud stare Jisoo gave after Jun’s statement, bragging to Jeonghan about
his disciples to his friends. The other members of BUREUL JIPYEO only nodded along,
agreeing with the fact they shouldn’t be merciless to face Wonwoo in a few days.

Minghao’s eyes twitched beside Hansol. The younger one turned towards him to see a
worried expression on his face. After the meeting, Hansol decided to walk to where the
dining hall was. His track was stopped to see Minghao and Jun conversing in front of the
dining hall’s door – scratch that, they were arguing.

“ You can’t say that in front of everyone. They will literally kill him when they caught him
moving a little bit, ” Minghao speaks in chinese with an angry tone whilst Jun was looking
anywhere except his boyfriend’s eyes. Minghao then turned Jun’s head to look at him dead in
the eye, “ Look at me, Wen Junhui. ” Jun stares back at him with tears brimming in his eyes. “
You don’t want him to get killed, right? You don’t want it, all three of you, ” Minghao caresses
Jun’s cheek softly and let the older one nuzzle against his hand, tears falling down on his
cheek, “ Why did you say that? ” Hansol was still hiding and trying to decipher each of the
Chinese words that came out from the older mouths in his mind before translating to Korean
and even English if he couldn’t find the exact expression to each word. Jun sniffles before
answering softly, “ To distract the others on what will happen. ”

Hansol furrows an eyebrow when he hears it. So, focusing on Jeon Wonwoo was not the
original plan? Then what was the original plan? Before anything, there’s another arm draped
around his shoulder and Hansol freezes.
“What were you doing, Hansol-ah? Aren’t we all going to eat Mala Xiang Guo in the dining
hall?” Soonyoung’s voice welcomed his right ear. His voice probably startled both Minghao
and Jun too, judging the two men already turned their heads to stare at Hansol who was
standing not far from where they were. “Yeah, hyung. I’m in the middle of going there,”
Hansol replies with an awkward chuckle. Soonyoung then said something about him being
cute before Jihoon slapped him.

In the next few days, Hansol was cooped up monitoring the reconstruction of the passageway
with Seungkwan. The reconstruction is already 85% to be completed in two days until the
Gala happens. Chan often comes to the building to help organize the room that will be the
place for the event later on. Hansol himself still doesn’t have any chance to go to where the
diamonds were secured, he thinks he doesn’t have any rights to look at it in the first place.

Not until the last meeting before the Gala happens where Hansol was pointed to accompany
Jun to secure the safe underground. Hansol blinks when he gets the instruction from his
brother himself. Not that he couldn’t indulge in a fight himself, he thinks he’s safe if Jun is by
his side. But why him, though?

“Our parents will be there. You don’t want to risk it all for them to find you’re not in the
dorm, right?” Seungcheol gave him the reason when they were in his office. Jeonghan was
out to help rearrange the guest list to prevent some mix up between the seat arrangement and
of course the whereabouts of Jeon Wonwoo, will he enter the building from the front or
above? For a quick second, the reason made sense in Hansol’s mind, whilst he nodded in
agreement.

When the Gala finally happens, Hansol accompanies Chan at the receptionist until the in-ear
that nested in his right ear tells him to hurriedly accompany Jun at the safe area. Because his
parents were already on the way to the building. At one point when Hansol sprints from
where the receptionist is to the stair connecting the upper floor to the underground, he has to
bump into someone taller than him. Hansol apologizes instantly before lifting his gaze to
look at the taller man.

“Oh, sorry. I just lost my way in the building,” it’s Kim Mingyu. Hansol blinks and thinks
fast on how Kim Mingyu knows the whereabouts of this stairway? There’s no way everyone
except the members of WONDERLAND or the workers from _WORLD’s company know
about this, unless someone told him. Hansol didn’t know he had been staring at the taller one
when Mingyu spoke again, “Are you Chwe Hansol?” then realization hits – play dumb,
Hansol, “I don’t know who he is,” not that dumb! Before giving Kim Mingyu to speak again,
Hansol runs.

Around 6 PM in the evening the event already starts upstairs. Hansol stands straight in front
of the diamonds safe behind him. 30 minutes into the event, Hansol heard a various clapping
sound from above. Probably Jihoon had already given his opening speech as the owner of the
building.

Hansol was staring at the wall in front of him when Jun started a conversation with him. “You
can ask me about the original plan. I know you heard all of it despite the fact that I talked in
Chinese,” Jun says that makes Hansol instantly freeze, "Seungcheol hyung often brags about
your language intelligence." Silence filled the space between the two of them, Hansol knows
there’s also something Jun wants to talk about – an elephant in the room. “You don’t really
think Seungcheol hyung will let us kill one of his precious little brothers, right?” Jun asked
into the still air between them, “Wonwoo was like you for him. The only person that he could
call brother when he couldn’t get a chance to get close to you all these years.”

A nod came into a reply from Hansol. He’s not jealous with this kind of stories, he also thinks
Chan as the little brother he never had. Hansol always thought what Seungcheol was doing
all this time was all because of one reason: vengeance against their own family. He couldn’t
do it while being alive, then being dead he did it.

“You don’t think he will target Wonwoo tonight, right?” Jun’s question hits Hansol somehow,
“Who else were going to be in the Gala when Choi Seungcheol had his army surrounded this
place?”

Mom, Hansol’s instinct strikes before there’s a gunshot fired towards the two of them.

It was funny to say if Hansol ever thought if he was never loved enough by his parents than
how much they gave love to his older brother. From the darker side of the house, Hansol had
to witness how their father was too protective with Seungcheol's well-being. Making sure he
was enrolled in a prestigious school since kindergarten, telling him what kind of people to
mingle with. Their mother loved to cook, not until Hansol reached the age of 6 years old
when Seungcheol started to get dragged to different kinds of company events then she
became the businesswomen she ever dreamed.

Hansol did want to follow his brother's footstep to walk out from that hell hole they called
home. Yet, he never had the slightest thoughts of killing their parents. The first instinct that
came up in his mind was: why do you want to do that? It was funny to think that maybe, a
little maybe, Hansol still did not fully understand what was going on in Seungcheol's mind.
What was he feeling all these years to make him choose the extreme way to exit – spreading
his fake death.

Hansol was thinking about all that when a punch passed his head and he dodged it well. He
could hear Jun finish two of his family's men behind him as he stopped another punch from a
bigger man in front of him, twisting his wrist, before landing another kick behind his shin.
The underground area was bulletproof according to his blueprint. Hence when around five
more people barged into their secret place, Jun had already taken out his gun and pointed it
towards them.

"Hansol, duck," Jun growls and Hansol complies. He didn't need to see it, because he already
knew Jun shot all of his five remaining bullets from his gun against each of their five heads.
Hansol lifted his gaze to see all of the men lying dead on the ground and turned his head to
Jun. Jun exhales a sigh, "You still can stop him," the older says, "I believe I'm not the only
one who thinks this is not the only way to end all of it."

Hansol didn't think twice and nodded at the order. He runs through the tunnel and stairways
to find the door that connects the underground to the upper floor. His mind was ringing to tell
himself that all of this was normal. That he should've been understood from Seungcheol's
perspective.

All of the burden that he had to shoulder from a young age, the caged feeling, the freedom he
should've got like the other kids at his age. Hansol remembers the sight of their mother
wiping their tears at the same time when they got into a little fight because Hansol thought
the way Seungcheol played with his toy truck was wrong – why did the older insist he could
just push the truck rather than pull it?

Hansol's eyes found Chan in the receptionist. The younger one was frowning when he saw
him out from his original place for tonight. "Hansollie hyung? What are you doing?" Chan
asks after he organizes the guest list on the table. Hansol was still breathing heavily when he
asked Chan, "Where's hyung?" Chan quirks an eyebrow but he didn't push it too far.

When the two of them entered the venue, there's someone in the middle of giving his speech.
Hansol doesn't know who the person is but it's probably one of the conglomerates flexing
about what their family did to the country and how they should be honored as the nation's
hero. Because it has always been that – the intention of the Gala, to flex, giving the rats the
exposure they wanted. Hansol's not going to lie, planning to assassinate someone in the Gala
was a pretty cool idea hence this is the only event the governors and conglomerates willing to
attend for spitting each other's gut.

"There he is," Chan tells Hansol as he points to the upper floor of the venue. Hansol darted
his glance to find Seungcheol's existence in the venue. He was wearing a black suit with
champagne in his hand. Jeonghan was not standing beside him like he always does.

Does he know about the plan?

"Okay, Chan. You need to listen to me," Hansol turned Chan's figure to stare back at him,
"Anything that will happen today, I need you to save yourself and hide. If the hyungs brought
up my name, I need you to lie and act like you didn't have anything to do with what I'm going
to do."

"What does that mea –"

"Tell me you understand all about it," Hansol insists as he squeezes Chan's shoulders
underneath his grip. He could see Chan's lips tremble with worry but the younger one still
managed to nod. Hansol flashes a smile and pat Chan's shoulder once again. "I'll see you
soon, okay?" He didn't give Chan a chance to reply before he ran into the midst of tonight's
crowd.

Hansol doesn't know if the attendees were all ignorant because he swears he caught one of his
cousins attending the Gala. But his reflex made him immediately take one of the available
champagne trays near him and act like a waiter for a brief 15 minutes. Torturing his own ears
while listening about how Seoul's mayor's death gave them a hard time to regroup as a nation.
Not when Hansol also caught the existence of Kim Mingyu who was currently sipping the
champagne, buying all of the conglomerate's sweet talk about his father.
After serving approximately the 10th champagne for tonight, Hansol's eyes caught
Jeonghan's eyes where he was standing in a darker part of the venue. Besides him and
Seungcheol, Jeonghan also had to stay hidden whilst being the sole reason his older brother
became who he's now, according to their family. Jeonghan's eyes widen when he sees Hansol
not in the underground with Jun, but here in the Gala venue serving the champagne to the
rats. Hansol mouths a little sorry to the older man, ignoring how Jeonghan told him to get out
of this place right now.

Why should I get out of this place when I can stop my brother's impulsive action that has
been going on for years? Hansol thinks as he takes an empty champagne bottle from one of
the prime ministers that attends the Gala. Jisoo was sitting at the table, giving him a hard time
by piercing his doe-eyed into his head. Hansol continued to ignore all of the respected older
brothers in WONDERLAND by giving champagne glasses to the other higher ups. He shuts
both of his eyes for a minute and takes a breather in the corner of the room.

Hansol was currently thinking why he did this in the first place. A solid validation from
Seungcheol, to tell him that he's capable of standing by his side like they always promised to
each other since they were younger. Hansol was questioning his own morality – he
questioned Seungcheol's morality. If he's going to continue all of this, he needs to be brave to
witness all the blood splatters he dreamed of since Seungcheol's death to become a reality in
the near future.

The question that hung in his mind was, is Hansol that type of person? Does he really want
violence to end it all? Does he want to see his brother put a bullet inside their mother's head?
The same woman that her freedom got took over by marrying the scum of CHOI
CORPORATION over a one night stand?

"She had all the moments to stop him at that time," Hansol remembered Seungcheol saying to
him after the last meeting before the Gala. They were alone in Seungcheol's office and
Hansol asked if things were better, will Seungcheol do all of that again. "She had all the
power to prevent him dragging me all day and all night, but you know what she did, right?"
When Seungcheol puts both of his hands on the table and stares back at Hansol, for a split
second he's not his brother. There's a dangerous glint filled his gaze that pierced through
Hansol's body.

At that time, Hansol learned what Seungcheol did all these years to earn his subordinates
respect. There was no way he was too clean handed to get what he got right now. Not when
WONDERLAND gave birth to the deadliest assassin team BUREUL JIPYEO and had CHOI
CORPORATION gave up their Japanese branch to the yakuza who he learned afterwards was
also controlled by Yoon Jeonghan himself. On how Hong Jisoo took all the blame for
Seungcheol's death and still shamelessly showed up in front of the media despite being the
son of the corrupted prime minister.

From the corner of his eyes, he spotted a few people moving towards where he was standing.
Hansol could learn who they were – Seokmin and Minghao. His eyes also darted to where
Seungcheol was standing. The champagne glass in his hand was not in his grip anymore.

Both of his eyes dilated as he saw a sniper rifle that he was holding right now. Hansol was
fast to know the direction he pointed at. Because in front of the stage in the middle of the
venue, Mrs. Choi was talking with a bunch of people. He was sure from Seungcheol’s
perspective, the little scope exactly pointing into her skull.

Choi Seungcheol is infamous for his strength within the WONDERLAND. No one ever wins
against him by strength. For mind games, he’s the second below Yoon Jeonghan. For a split
second, in these whole 8 years had already passed, Choi Seungcheol maybe underestimated
his little brother a little bit.

Because when he almost hit the trigger below the body of his file, Hansol rushed through the
crowd of rats he hated for the most of his life. Only to reach out his mother’s hand and turn
her around to face him. Seokmin and Minghao who were running from the left and right side
of the venue were stopped on their tracks. Mrs. Choi was frowning when she felt one of her
hands were tugged by some stranger and immediately turned her expression to a shocked one
when she saw who the culprit was.

“Hansol –”

“Mom,” Hansol croaks out a small voice from his mouth. He feels relieved that he was much
faster than his big brother. Hansol spotted Minghao in front of him, still standing with a
worried expression on his face. He wanted to say something before his mother held his face,
“Son, what were you doing here? You were supposed to be in the dorm.”

This time it’s his turn to be freezed in time. When was the last time he heard so much concern
coming out from his mother’s mouth? The woman was busy talking about how he should’ve
been in the campus, not suddenly coming up to an event where he hates it so much in his gut.
But reality was funny, you know? Here he is, standing in front of his mother, still doesn’t
know how to answer those concerned questions while he is surrounded by his brother’s army.
His mother was still in the condition that she doesn’t know about her eldest son’s
whereabouts – that he’s not dead.

Hansol decided to answer this instead, “I just –” there’s a lump in his throat, thinking maybe
Seungcheol’s rifle was pointing at him right now, “– miss you.” It probably never came out
from his mouth since he was a child judging on how shocked his mother is at the moment.
There’s another voice pipes into the conversation, Hansol forgot that he just disturbed his
mother while she was talking with other people. “Is this the youngest prince, ma’am?”
Hansol’s eyes dilated as he heard the voice entering his ears.

While his mother was currently nodding frantically and started to introduce him to the person
in front of him, Hansol’s eyes once again met halfway with Kim Mingyu’s gaze.

“Well, yes, Kim Mingyu-ssi! This is Chwe Hansol, or Choi Hansol, my youngest one. He had
been busy with his undergrad thesis in architecture major. It was also a surprise for me
because he never wanted to come into this kind of event by himself!” Mrs. Choi gushes about
her youngest son as she caresses Hansol’s back. Mingyu, the dickhead he is, only smiles
towards Hansol – it was much more than a mere smile. “I wonder who brought him here,”
Mingyu says as he tilts his head to the side a little bit. Hansol quirks an eyebrow,
unconsciously draping his left hand around his mother’s waist until he knew what the gesture
meant.

On the upper floor as Mingyu was tilting his head, stood Jeon Wonwoo who was currently
leaning against the wall. Both of his hands were folded in front of his chest as he stood beside
Choi Seungcheol who was now resting his rifle beside him. Hansol’s gaze was blurred when
he spotted Jeonghan lurking in the darkness and how Jisoo sipped his wine, a frown on his
forehead, probably planning an attempted murder at him after everything ended. Mingyu
completely knows what was going on, because he’s probably in on the plan that was
orchestrated by Jeon Wonwoo himself.

Hansol doesn’t quite hear clearly anything that came out from his mother’s mouth as
Wonwoo straightens his posture. He saw how Wonwoo whispered to Seungcheol’s mouth as
he smirks, a disappointed expression plastered on his face. In all of his life being a vigilante
of the neighborhood, Hansol didn’t only pick up languages and parkour, he also could read
mouth movement. His body freezes at the moment when he caught what Wonwoo was
whispering to his brother’s right ear.
“You can’t expect someone to have the same vengeance as you,” Wonwoo whispers, irony
filled each of his words, “Not even your precious little brother by blood.” Hansol couldn’t see
it but Seungcheol was gripping his rifle tighter than usual, “You should’ve called me when
you really had something fun to entertain me, probably I will think about the offer to come
back to that game lounge,” Wonwoo added as he let out a faint huff of his smoke.

Maybe tonight had just gone a lot worse than Hansol ever expected.
 xi. hansol to seungcheol
Chapter Summary

“Is there something you were doing other than your thesis, Hansol?” his mother asked,
dropping both of her hands as she caressed Hansol’s shoulders that were still covered by
his suit. Hansol shakes his head immediately, “What would I do besides doing campus
things, mom? You know I’m not that kind of son.” I’m not like Seungcheol hyung, he
wanted to add, but there were many people that won’t believe in him. Mrs. Choi let out a
tiny ah, acknowledging the fact Hansol was a homebody since he was younger, “Right.
You just looked like your brother, you can’t ever be him in action though.”

Chapter Notes

cw // mention of genocide attempt

yes. anyway i, again, didnt like the way i wrote this chapter. probably, again, i will make
another revision for this story. but nonetheless, enjoy <3

For the rest of the night, Hansol stays beside his mother’s side. Surprisingly, he was told that
his father was not present to attend the Gala. Hearing the news, Hansol raised an eyebrow
because it didn’t make any sense. For most of it, all of this doesn’t make any sense – him
joining the political Gala for the rest of the night, while being pierced through the back of his
skull by Seungcheol’s army.

It was not the first time for tonight that Hansol exchanged quick glances to Seokmin and
Minghao. Minghao, who was currently acting as the Gala’s waitress, often walked to where
he was seated. Offering champagnes towards the representative of CHOI CORPORATION.
Hansol doesn’t see it, but he could feel the worry radiating from the older man behind him.

Maybe Hansol would die in Seungcheol’s hand tonight. It wasn’t only Hansol who was aware
of what tonight's original plan was. On how maybe Seungcheol wanted to prove something to
Wonwoo, that maybe he’s not alone, maybe he has everyone under his thumb. Maybe Hansol
was the soldier under his command that Seungcheol had wanted for a long time.
Besides Seokmin and Minghao, Hansol also caught Jisoo’s gaze at him. He was scowling, the
frowns on his forehead are too visible to tell him that he’s pissed off. Maybe even more than
Seungcheol. Seungcheol was not the only one who wanted more army by his side, Jisoo
wanted it more than his friends did.

He’s been through so much, he needs to smack all of these rats on the face if he can't keep
himself cool. If he doesn’t have Seokmin by his side, maybe Jisoo would have gone feral
since he was younger. Hansol saw as Jisoo engaged in a conversation with Mingyu and the
other conglomerates in the venue. Probably talking or earning some information on what was
happening in the underground, knowing BUREUL JIPYEO have not been active for years
now.

That’s when Hansol noticed something near the main door when Chan helped him get into
this place. By the door, he sees Seungkwan standing with Chan. Hansol widened his eyes and
almost tripped on his legs, even though he was sitting at the moment. Seungkwan and Chan
mouth something towards him while Hansol doesn’t know what the hell they were talking
about.

When he sees his mother was busy talking with other people, Hansol tilts his head to whisper
loudly towards the two. “What the hell were you doing here!?” Hansol asks with the most
expression on his face for almost 20 years living on this planet. Chan exhales loudly, he
seems frustrated – well, not as frustrated as the person standing besides him. Seungkwan was
fuming, Hansol could see, but he was fuming with worries all over his place.

Hansol couldn’t catch the words perfectly, but he knows what the latter meant.

“What the hell are you doing, Chwe Hansol?” Seungkwan asked. That’s what Hansol’s been
asking himself for a while. Not just because he rushed towards his mother’s side when his
older brother wanted to assassinate her, not just because he allowed himself to joined one of
the biggest criminal organization in Seoul led by Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and surprisingly
Hong Jisoo who he hated for long in most of his life. Hansol stares at Seungkwan who was
slowly fading from his sight, probably because Chan tugged him away from the venue before
the older brothers found out about it or there were more people than he thought.

Without him knowing, the time has drifted into later at night. The host of tonight's Gala had
already bid their goodbye and the attendees slowly walked out from the venue. Hansol lets
his mother hug his left arm as they walk out from the place. Before he could meet the other
cousins attending the event, Hansol let go of her arm and held both of her hands.

Mrs. Choi was taken back by the gesture, “Hansol?” She stares at her youngest son as he
fidgets her fingers between his. “Mom, I need to stay for a little while. The owner of this
building had some involvement in my graduate research,” Hansol lies and cringes at how he
lied. Nonetheless, Mrs. Choi bought it. She flashes him a wide smile, the one he loves so
much and wants to protect if the world is kinder to him and Seungcheol, “Ah, that’s great! I
know you would be surrounded by any kind of people except the ones that were respected by
our family. I just realized it when you walked out of the house.”

Hansol blinks at the praise – was that even a praise, though? He asks himself with so much
confusion going on in his own head. Then slowly the confusion turns into something more in
his gut, Hansol doesn’t know it yet, but it feels like rage.

The youngest son parted his mouth to say something before he closed it off when Mrs. Choi
brushed his black strands. Hansol was taken back by the gesture this time, because his mother
never did this when he started being rebellious after Seungcheol’s death. Mrs. Choi had
always been looking at him like some kind of germ in the house. Maybe because she couldn’t
stand at how Hansol was behaving at that time.

“You really look like your brother,” Mrs. Choi says as he stares at Hansol’s eyes, “He
would’ve been so proud and angry at the same time if he saw you standing near me like this.
Letting me look at you like you’re my favorite son.” The fingers running through his hair
stopped. Hansol let their eyes meet after a long time, you could say that he didn’t even bother
to contact his parents all of these years. Mrs. Choi noticed that, she should’ve noticed that.

She’s the Queen of the raging corrupted CHOI CORPORATION after all.

“Is there something you were doing other than your thesis, Hansol?” his mother asked,
dropping both of her hands as she caressed Hansol’s shoulders that were still covered by his
suit. Hansol shakes his head immediately, “What would I do besides doing campus things,
mom? You know I’m not that kind of son.” I’m not like Seungcheol hyung, he wanted to add,
but there were many people that won’t believe in him. Mrs. Choi let out a tiny ah,
acknowledging the fact Hansol was a homebody since he was younger, “Right. You just
looked like your brother, you can’t ever be him in action though.”
Hansol felt something twists in the gut. This familiar feeling, in the exact same sentence, took
him back to a few years ago. Exactly about a few weeks or months after Seungcheol had
passed. The method his mother used to drag him into those business webinars was the
company’s representation, acting like Choi Seungcheol.

He knows he’s not the favorite son – for God’s sake, he knows from the start. Hansol was just
too naive, he was too naive that his parents would change for him. That they would think
about what he was doing to slap them on the face and scream THIS IS WHAT YOU DID!
YOU MADE ME LIKE THIS! It took him a lot of minutes to realize that it was more than
Seungcheol's validation. Hansol has always been wanting his own parents' validation, he was
just not being true to himself.

“Right,” Hansol replies weakly, ignoring how he was creeped out by his mother’s smile. The
edge of his eyes caught Chan’s silhouette, that’s his cue to run away from where he stands.
“I’m going to go now, mom. It has been nice to see you again, I wish we could have time like
this in the future,” Hansol says as he lets go of both of her hands. After bidding her goodbye,
Hansol jogs to where Chan is to only meet the younger’s frightening eyes.

“Where are the others –”

“They went back to the HQ,” Chan hurriedly answered, now holding both of Hansol’s hands,
“You need to go there. Seungcheol hyung was looking for you.”

Hansol quickly found Seungkwan’s wherebeings after Chan finished the venue’s cleaning. By
finished, he meant he ordered all of the workers there to clean instead of him. Chan said Jun,
Soonyoung, and Jihoon played their roles to make Hansol stop whatever Seungcheol was
doing. The eldest of the group was currently playing under Wonwoo’s game and he needed to
snap out of it.

“It was never to hunt down Wonwoo hyung’s whereabouts. It has always been Seungcheol
hyung who wanted him back to the organization. He wanted BUREUL JIPYEO to work
together again, but he lacks empathy towards the rest of the three,” Chan says as he drives
through the main road of Seoul. Hansol was sitting beside the younger one while Seungkwan
sat on the passenger seat at the back. He was staring at the main road in front of him, trying
to consume all of the information coming out from Chan’s mouth. “There was a huge tension
between the three of them and the trinity higher ups,” he meant the remaining BUREUL
JIPYEO and Seungcheol, Jeonghan, Jisoo, “That’s why Jeonghan hyung reached out to you
sooner than the plan that I knew. Because he thought your presence in the organization would
change the way Seungcheol hyung thinks.”

The car turns to exit the toll road the same time Hansol’s mind spins. Does Jeonghan really
think that way? Does the older man really put so much trust in his fiancé’s right mind to his
little brother? Hansol sinks in his seat. That was the first time he ever heard someone really
put trust in him since Seungcheol when they were younger. Thinking maybe everything
would go worse after this was undeniable.

When the car finally parked in the headquarter’s basement, Hansol was welcomed by
different kinds of gazes when he entered the building from the main door. Minghao was the
first one that stood up from his seat, he wanted to walk to where Hansol was standing before
his hand was tugged by Seokmin. Stopping him on his feet, Minghao growls towards his
colleagues. Seokmin nudges him, glancing at the main predator of tonight.

Jisoo was walking towards Hansol and somehow this kind of situation brought the younger of
the two some kind of reminder of what happened a few weeks ago. “What were you doing
back then in the Gala, Chwe Hansol?” Jisoo asked without missing the beat of his words,
“What were you doing with your mother back then? You do really know she’s the whole
reason why Seungcheol built this organization from the ground, right?” Hansol let his fingers
intertwine with Seungkwan who was standing behind him. Chan opens his mouth to
intervene, but Jisoo shuts him up only with a glance. “You do realize what you just did ruined
our plan, right? You were called here because you have an important role, Vernon, ” Hansol
twitches at his government’s other name, “You need to obey the rules, followed the plan –”

“Was the plan really to stop Jeon Wonwoo, though?” Hansol talks back, “Because it wasn’t
like that from my perspective.”

Jisoo stopped to stare back at the younger one. His bambi doe eyes were indescribable.
Seokmin walks towards the older man, whispering something in his ear. Hansol also couldn’t
miss the way Seokmin’s hand covers Jisoo’s right one, brushes his knuckles, trying to calm
him down.
His gaze caught up with Jihoon who was standing on the second floor. Jihoon was looking at
him with an indescribable gaze. But the gaze was surely different from the one Jisoo had
towards him right now. Jihoon flashes him a small smile before retreating to where his room
is on the second floor.

A few minutes later, Hansol found himself standing in front of Seungcheol's closed office
door. Seungkwan was escorted to Chan’s room in the building, while the other guys retreated
back to where their base is. Minghao squeezes his hand before Hansol walks the stairways
connected to the third floor. The older man looked worried, same as Seungkwan, but Hansol
gave them the reassurance smile he got at the moment.

Even though they know maybe tonight is his last night in the organization. Hansol exhales a
low sigh before knocking on the door twice. There was no answer after his first attempt, then
he did it for a second one. It wasn’t an answer that he received, but a thud! sound against the
floor that was relatively loud coming from a closed door.

Then there’s a scream.

“YOU CAN’T SAY THAT TO HIM YOU FUCKER!” Hansol’s eyes widened and he
decided to force the door open. In front of him is a scene of a wrecking ship or something
everyone expressed for a room that was not unorganized. Seungcheol and Jeonghan were
staring at each other, one meter between the two of them while breathing heavily. “You
shouldn’t defend him like he’s your little brother, Jeonghan. He’s mature enough to know
what’s best for him. All of that included wiping off all of my living family except him,”
Seungcheol snarls towards his own fiancé.

Hansol blinks, he doesn’t believe what he just heard. The two older men were busy cooped
up with each other’s business, not realizing the said little brother was standing near the door.
Hansol’s hands were trembling, his head was spinning, and his morale was crushed. He never
thought Seungcheol was thinking that way.

It was supposed to be revenge towards their family. Not –

“Hyung, that was basically genocide,” Hansol speaks between the silence between the two.
genocide. Judging from how Seungcheol acted, that was not only an expression to show his
rage towards their family.

The two of them turn their heads in unison. Jeonghan stares at him with widened eyes, before
he could even move his feet, Seungcheol beats him to it. “Did she do anything to you,
Hansol?” Seungcheol grabbed Hansol’s shoulders, “Why did you do that? Why did you run
towards her after everything she did to us?” there’s a desperation filled in Seungcheol’s
words and almost – almost, Hansol fell into his naivety again. Hansol grabs the older’s hands
on his shoulders, squeezing it lightly as he stares back at Seungcheol’s eyes. “Did you mean
what you just said, hyung?” Seungcheol’s eyes went unfazed, he was serious.

Then if he was serious, Hansol thought maybe this is not his way. He slowly puts down the
hands on his shoulders and holds them closely towards his heart. There were many things
Hansol wanted to talk to Seungcheol right now, on how he’s grateful that he could spend
more time with his older brother to fill the 8 years full of void in his life without him. But
maybe – maybe, his older brother Choi Seungcheol has changed.

“Hyung, you were no different than what our parents did all those years ago,” Hansol starts,
“You had the army you wanted and you acted like you could do anything. First and foremost,
think of dragging Jeon Wonwoo back into this organization by proving to him that you could
shoot your own mother in public without having any lack of empathy towards his own
family. They were also your comrades, hyung. Or unless, you didn’t see them as one.”
Seungcheol keeps him silent, slowly letting go of their intertwined hands. Hansol saw it
coming, hence why he still continues. “There was no difference on how you act towards your
own comrades compared to how our parents act towards us. I was naive, totally, I
acknowledged that. I’m sorry if I ruined your plan to drag your precious little brother back
into this organization. I also want to apologize to Jeonghan hyung, because of me, your plan
backfired on you.”

Jeonghan breathes, “No, Nonie. Listen –”

“No, I’ve listened enough. Now excuse me, I need to go back to my family.”

With that, Hansol left his brother. The same as Seungcheol did 8 years ago.
 xii. hansol to seungkwan
Chapter Summary

Hansol thought that he was cruel at first. Feeling that way after stepping out from
Seungcheol's office and starting gathering his own things from his room. Seungkwan
saw him when he entered the dining hall, he was in the middle of talking with
Soonyoung, Minghao, and Chan about what he just did on campus as their freshmen's
TA. Hansol's jaw tightens when he sees the sight in front of him.

Chapter Notes

i forgot to tell you all that starting from the last chapter its the beginning of the third arc.
so, welcome to hansol to wonderland arc! <3 thank you for all of your kudos and
comments. i hope y'all will be here until this story ends

without further ado, onto the chapter!

Leaving WONDERLAND was harder than he thought. It is easier when you think that your
brother is just some copycat of your own parents. Even when he said things to comfort him
by telling he did it all of that only to protect him – the reality contradicted what he said. So,
leaving his brother behind was not that tough.

Hansol thought that he was cruel at first. Feeling that way after stepping out from
Seungcheol's office and starting gathering his own things from his room. Seungkwan saw
him when he entered the dining hall, he was in the middle of talking with Soonyoung,
Minghao, and Chan about what he just did on campus as their freshmen's TA. Hansol's jaw
tightens when he sees the sight in front of him.

This is the sight he found hard to leave. All of the people he called as his important people,
on par with what Seungcheol is in all of his years of living. In a span of only a month, Hansol
had found a place he could call home besides his own dorm room and Seungkwan's embrace.
To see Seungkwan also enjoying his time with the other WONDERLAND members makes
his heart clenches.
Seungkwan immediately turned his head to the door's direction when Hansol came in. His
eyes were still brimming with tears after hearing another wonderful joke coming from
Soonyoung. "Hey, how was it?" Seungkwan asks as he wipes his tears. When he met with a
silent answer coming from the other man, Seungkwan stood up and walked to where Hansol
was standing.

Sensing the discomfort radiating from Hansol, Seungkwan grabs both of his hands and
caresses his palm like he always does when the other man feels overwhelmed by his own
feelings. Hansol was staring at him with trembling eyes. The same sight he saw in his blurry
memories when Seungkwan fainted in front of him at the night they first encountered
WONDERLAND. Seungkwan brings his palm to cup Hansol's face, rubbing it through his
cheek and the back of his ear.

"It's okay, we're gonna go through this together, yeah?" Seungkwan tries to calm him but
Hansol trembles even more under his touch. "His – how could he –" Hansol chokes out, tears
streaming down his face, "He's the same as them." Seungkwan parted his mouth to ask what
it meant before he heard a slamming sound against the wooden table in the room. "He kicked
you out?" Soonyoung growls suddenly and followed by Chan's question in the middle of
munching his potato chips, "You were leaving?"

Minghao stood up from his seat, immediately walking to where Hansol was. Seungkwan's
hand around Hansol's arm tightens, bringing himself closer to the younger man. There was no
sentence exchanged between the two. In a span of a month, Minghao somehow developed a
non-verbal communication with Hansol by only cooking the younger man his favorite food
every night.

"Fuck him," Minghao growls and Seungkwan deadpanned. That was not helping, "Thank
you, Minghao hyung," he still settles on respecting the older man. Hansol managed to
whisper to Seungkwan's ear, "Let's go home." Seungkwan nods, "Okay, come on."

Chan hurriedly finished his potato chips and jogs to follow his two older brothers. Leaving
Minghao who was fuming and Soonyoung calms him down. They were in silence when
Hansol started packing up his things. There were not a lot of things, but you could say Hansol
almost moved half of his clothes to his room in this building because of how much he spent
his time here rather than his dorm room.
Hansol was hearing various screams coming from the third floor. Probably from Seungcheol's
office. He heard a similar voice from Jun, Soonyoung, and Jihoon. They were maybe coming
into another disagreement after what happened tonight.

Seungkwan was looking at Hansol with worry and yet he still didn't ask him any question. He
chose to put his arm on Hansol's back. The three of them get into Chan's assigned car and
leave the headquarter area. All that with Hansol didn't even look back.

Hansol slept the whole day tomorrow. He acted like a zombie and Seungkwan was slowly
getting worried for his well being. The last time Hansol was like this was when he missed his
brother too much. Seungkwan knows how much Seungcheol meant to him, but hearing the
other side of the story about what happened that night really made him disappointed at the
older man.

After a few days, Hansol slowly got back onto his two feet. Jihoon occasionally contacted
him through the company’s telephone, telling him that even though he quit WONDERLAND,
his internship in his company was still continuing. “It was just your brother. Even if he
threatened me by burning down the company, he knew damn well he’d lose against me,”
Jihoon says through the phone call one afternoon while Hansol was in the middle of working
on his thesis as usual. Hansol chuckles as he juggles between his notebook and tube to keep
his blueprint in a safe place, “Thank you, hyung. You’re so generous, but it is disrespectful
for other people in the organization if I still stay there after what I did that night.”

It wasn’t the guilt that was trapping Hansol to reach back to Seungcheol. The confusion
inside his head about what he has to do after all of this. After he had seen the real thing once
more. His brother being madness with what he could do in a flick of his own finger, his
mother who was being more ruthless towards his own son, what could be wrong when she
finally knows that her eldest son was alive all along? Then his father, Mr. Choi, Hansol had
been so long since he saw the old man.

This took him back when he just had a few days to grieve Seungcheol’s death. Overwhelmed
by his own feelings on what cruel reality he’s going to face. In the end, he ran away with it
and thought it would be solved once he reunited with Seungcheol at the end. Hansol wanted
to believe that Seungcheol didn’t mean all of it – the genocide thing, he wouldn’t do it, right?
That’s fucking nonsense if he want to use logic and how this country works.
That’s a whole other problem, it’s not about them being a criminal organization again, they
would be this country’s public enemy. But thinking of the amount of power Seungcheol has if
he succeeds in getting Jeon Wonwoo back to his army again. Then BUREUL JIPYEO will be
active again and Jihoon’s company will continue their work, Jeonghan will rule Japan, and
the other foreign countries led by Jisoo and Jun. Do not forget the medical part with
Soonyoung and Seokmin.

Thinking about it makes Hansol’s head hurt. He decided to sleep it off and focus more on his
own project.

The second week after Hansol's departure from WONDERLAND, he bounced back to his
normal daily activities successfully. He spent much time back in his own dorm with
Seungkwan, occasionally dropping by as usual. Chan also visited quite a few times, but lately
he had been busy with the neighborhood's duty because there was a plan for Jeonghan and
Jisoo to visit. When one or two of the three empire trinity would visit, the neighborhood
would go wild for their preparation.

Hansol, when he didn't know about WONDERLAND, often witnessed how serious the
neighborhood was. Knowing people living there mainly don't care about the government at
all after everything they've done to their area. The names they used for WONDERLAND
were mainly 'The Owner', 'The Boss', or other things that resembled that. But they called
them with so much respect and happiness.

"They didn't often visit. Hence why when the youth give us a message that they will come
around this month or week, we have to give them the best sight of our place. To thank them
after everything they provided for us," Mr. Jung said once when Hansol curiously asked him.
The youth he meant was Chan. Of course it was Chan, Hansol thinks when everything
clicked, because he's one of them. Hansol often thinks about these neighborhood's owners or
bosses often, mentally thanking them for doing what the government, mayors, prime
ministers, and conglomerates won't do to the people they hurt.

When he's bored, usually he will go and visit Seungkwan in his room. But near evening, he
didn't hear anything from inside of the latter's room after he knocked three times loudly. It
echoed through the hallway too. Hansol frowns, he recalled all of Seungkwan's schedule on
campus including his TA classes and where he usually does his projects.
Mostly they did it together in several places. The time Seungkwan did his schedule alone was
his TA classes. "Does he have any substitute classes?" Hansol mumbles as he walks out from
the dormitory building. The walk to where their architecture major building isn't that far.

Peeking with his eyes while tipping toes in every classroom he passed, there’s no sight of
Boo Seungkwan. Hansol tightens the grip around his project tube on his back. He’s been
carrying that tube and his own wallet for days. Thinking that maybe those two things,
including his phone of course, were the only thing keeping him sane these days.

Walking on the pedestals reserved for people walking by the university, Hansol’s eyes
squinted when he slowly approached the basketball court near the engineering building
complex. Hansol is not the type of student to spend their free time playing sports. Sometimes,
Seungkwan dragged him and asked him to play. In the end, he was just producing weird and
screeching noises then fell on the ground.

Sport is not his thing – it’s Seungkwan’s.

Hence when he heard the familiar noises of AAAHHHHHHH! his eyes suddenly brighten and
sprints to where the basketball court is. On the court stood Boo Seungkwan who was in the
middle of dribbling the ball. Hansol decided to not sit on the bleachers, he preferred only to
stand behind the fence and witness all the play Seungkwan would do. The other players
looked like their juniors, probably they or Seungkwan decided to play basketball together
after bonding in his TA classes.

Hansol heard rumors that Seungkwan is not the type of TA who was always kind in classes.
He’s quite stern and stubborn about the things he thinks it’s important. Hence why
Seungkwan has always been stern to him on how he eats his food or just everything else. A
few minutes later, Seungkwan managed to find Hansol and squealed, too excited to see that
he could make the Chwe Hansol appear in the campus’s basketball court.

After the game ended, Seungkwan bowed to his students before rushing to where Hansol was
standing. Hansol only flashes him a small grin while the other is smiling from ear to ear.
“Hey,” Hansol greets, receiving Seungkwan’s tight hug around him, “I was looking for you.”
Seungkwan’s hair was pretty disheveled and Hansol immediately ran his hand through his
brown strands, “Really? Why though?” Seungkwan asked, enjoying the gesture coming from
the other man.

To answer the question, Hansol shrugged.

“I just miss you.”

“Wow, Chwe Hansol. You still flattered me.”

They were walking side by side and laughing together. Hansol let Seungkwan hold his hand
while the man was walking on the pedestal stool and him walking on the asphalt. Getting
back to the life he was living before meeting WONDERLAND is kind of relieving for him.
But it doesn’t cover up the worried building inside him if anything happens to his brother and
the other friends he made in the organization.

Seungkwan’s phone was buzzing with notification when they finally arrived at the front area
of their dormitory building. Hansol suddenly walked ahead while Seungkwan stopped on his
tracks. “Why were you stopping?” Hansol asks, feet track also stopped as he turned his heels
to face Seungkwan. On the other hand, Seungkwan was nibbling his lower lips, thinking how
he should tell this to the man in front of him, “Chan texted me,” Hansol raised an eyebrow at
the mention of their youngest, “He wants us to meet at the neighborhood.”

Hansol was holding his breath when Seungkwan told him that. He’s fine with meeting Chan,
but visiting the neighborhood after everything is still hard for him. Nonetheless, Chan texted
them to meet him there meaning he’s up with something or he wants to tell them something’s
up and neither their campus dorm rooms are classified to be the place for him to tell them
this. With that being said, Hansol agreed and the two of them started walking to where the
neighborhood is.

The location Chan sent is one of their hideouts when they want to hang out with only the
three of them – the back of the bar Chan really loved. Hansol thought the ‘Chan love to be
drunk’ inside joke only relevant between the three of them, whilst when he told about it to the
WONDERLAND older brothers, they already knew it. Especially Jeonghan, Chan said he
started the rumor and every person in the neighborhood also knows about it. Strangely, they
got closer quickly after being framed as Yoon Jeonghan’s regular teasing victims.
When they arrived there, Chan had already set the small table with a bunch of foods and
drinks. “What is this? A bribe attempt?” Seungkwan asked and Chan almost flipped him on
the ground. They still love each other, Hansol sighs mentally. After they were all seated and
halfway through their meals, Chan started to speak, “Jeonghannie hyung and Jisoo hyung
dropped by.” It wasn’t like a statement that he intended to, it was more like telling someone
in their circle about the information.

Chan was telling Hansol about it.

Hansol slurps on his kimchi jjigae, “Then?” he asked as he glanced towards the younger, “He
told you he would try to find me or anything?” It sounded like a joke, but the three of them
knew better that Jeonghan would definitely do that. Chan shakes his head, taking one of the
kimchi in the container he brought, “No, he just said he misses you and hoping you’re doing
just fine. He trusts you enough to know you’re going to be fine alone.” Hansol chuckles, it
sounded like a scoff at first, but no he won’t ever scoff towards Jeonghan’s sincerity.

Then they were in silence again. Seungkwan glanced at Hansol and Chan back and forth.
Nowadays, he still feels he was left behind with all of this WONDERLAND shenanigans. It’s
not that he wanted to be involved, Hansol wouldn’t want him to and it’s the least thing he
could do for him, but at least these members won’t try to hold themselves back to talk about
it in front of him.

Seungkwan was gaslighting himself that he’s one of Soonyoung’s apprentice these days, even
though the older man is kind of a mad man. Thanking the poison gas thing at that night in the
abandoned building, truly a good memory for him to be more aware of his surroundings.

“Okay, spill it out,” Seungkwan places his bowl on the table, “There’s something going on in
the internal office of the organization, right?” Hansol was still busy chewing on his food
when Chan decided to answer, “There’s a rumor that Wonwoo hyung is indeed working with
CHOI CORPORATION to spy on Kim Mingyu’s family.” Then Hansol chokes on his food,
“What?” Chan nodded his head, still trying to believe what he just said, “Soonyoung hyung
found something from the underground. You already know that Wonwoo hyung works with
people who give him more benefit in which work he will choose. Probably the mayor’s
money on him is still lesser than your family’s money.” Chan exhales a sigh, “It’s kind of a
big problem for the organization. There’s a cold war between the three oldest brothers, and
yes, including Seungcheol hyung and Jeonghan hyung. Then there’s BUREUL JIPYEO’s
feud with Seungcheol hyung. If your family knows that Seungcheol hyung was alive from
Wonwoo hyung, it could get any worse onwards.” Hansol was in the middle of rethinking his
life choices and Seungkwan decided to comment, “I mean, from the outsider's perspective as
in my perspective, Seungcheol hyung was really getting himself trapped in this Jeon
Wonwoo’s game,” then he looks at Hansol, “Your brother was consumed by greed of his own
revenge at your family.”

Hansol freezed, that’s the exact statement to describe what Seungcheol is right now.

He stands up on his feet, “I got an idea.” Seungkwan and Chan stared at him with confusion.
Hansol doesn’t give them more explanation on what he meant, but he begged one thing.
Especially to Chan, “And I really need your help with this, Chan.”
 xiii. hansol to jisoo
Chapter Summary

Hansol was confused, because this is the first time after so many years his father showed
some physical affection towards him. While bringing both of his hands to reply to the
embrace, his father whispers against his ear. “I know you will come back,” the old man
says, “You’re not going to survive without us, son. Because you’re not him.” It’s good
while it lasts if Hansol wants to be honest.

Chapter Notes

im going to revise this later aarghhhh what happened to my writing im sorry guys
T______T

The last time Hansol stepped into this mansion was around 3 to 4 years ago. He thought it
was his last time to stand on this marbled floor. Letting the big gate of the house open only
for him, without anyone questioning what he’d done these past few years. He didn’t do
anything particular or extreme, no one knows about his vigilante shits – no one even knew
him as himself including his parents.

Hansol stood there with his backpack on his back and a sports bag on his right hand. He was
standing in front of the mansion’s front door while hearing the birds chirping in the front
yard. This building is not his childhood house, that house was left empty for years for some
reason. Hansol could’ve gone there instead of this building, drifting off all of his problems
back in his little bunk bed where he could hold Seungcheol’s fingers before he went to sleep.

But Hansol’s intention was not to drift off all of his problems. Instead of doing that, he needs
to face it. Hansol closed his eyes when he heard a few steps from inside. When the door
finally opens, showing Hansol, one of the mansion’s maids that was also startled to find the
very unexpected person standing in front of her.

“Morning,” Hansol greets, tugging his backpack string around his shoulder, “Is dad home?”
Hansol walks like he owns the place. It’s not like he felt guilty with whatever happened
before he walked out of this house. His parents should’ve been grateful to finally take one of
their children back home with his own consent. The maid accompanied him to walk to Mr.
Choi’s office, she also offered to take Hansol’s belongings back to his room first and cook
something for him.

The offer took him back to Minghao’s daily question whenever he was found in the dining
hall cooped up with all of his campus projects. Hansol only replies with a slight nod, giving
her all of his belongings. “Your return was not expected at all, Young Master Choi,” the maid
says after receiving Hansol’s belongings under her grip, “But your mother had gushed about
meeting you a few weeks ago.” Of course she was, Hansol thinks before replying, “Thank
you. At least dad still remembers my existence.”

With that being said, the main excused herself and Hansol was left alone. One of his core
memories about his father’s office was when he found 10 year old Seungcheol crying on the
table reserved where Mr. Choi’s guests would sit. Seungcheol was sniffling and Hansol
thought he was just sad because their father was still not getting enough time to play with
them. Recalling that memory, Hansol realized the reason why Seungcheol cried was because
he couldn’t memorize his public speech to welcome their family’s company Gala that will be
held a few days after it.

In the end, Hansol couldn’t do anything and decided to go back to his room. Just like his
mother said until now, he couldn’t do anything to help his own brother.

Hansol let out a low exhale before knocking on the big wooden door in front of him. There’s
a faint reply, asking him to come in and Hansol did. Opening the door, letting it open for a
while until his father’s head was lifted to meet his gaze. It took him a whole 5 minutes for
Mr. Choi realizes who’s standing on his doorside.

The old man was in the middle of flipping a few pages, what a familiar sight engraved in
Hansol’s mind about him for years (and he doesn’t even change, that’s wild). “Close the door
after you enter, you mad woman,” Mr. Choi says as he flips to another page, thinking it’s his
wife who is bothering him again. There’s no reply coming from the door side and he exhales
loudly, “I said, close the door –” and finally lifts his head. At that time, Hansol could see how
people often talk about Seungcheol’s resemblance to their father.
Both of them have thick eyebrows and looked too visible to tell if they were angry or sulking
at something. While Hansol’s sharp feature of his jaw and cheekbones came from their
mother. Hence the sole reason why their father always had been hard on him after
Seungcheol was gone, because he was too much a reminder of his past mistake. His marriage,
his children, Chwe Hansol himself – all of it were Mr. Choi’s mistakes and he’s vocal about
it.

“Oh,” Mr. Choi said to the person who did not close his office door, “you’re back.” Hansol
shrugged his shoulders, “Here I am.” You can kill me right now if you want, Hansol wants to
continue, but this is not the right time. Mr. Choi put down his glasses, scanning his youngest
son from head to toe, then let out a low chuckle, “I guess your mother did not exaggerate
telling me about how you've grown these past few years.”

Unexpectedly, Hansol came home dressing up solely only to face his father. Wearing one of
his casual suits that he still has from working with Jihoon, in conclusion he was wearing the
same attire on the day he met his mother again. Hansol only nodded in reply, waiting for his
father to give him another remark. The old man was busy with his own things, ignoring his
presence like their relationship on a daily basis before Seungcheol was gone.

Putting aside his papers, Mr. Choi brought his 10 fingers together to put it under his jaw. “So,
what’s your intention to come home today? After finally getting rid of your reputation as the
youngest prince of this family, the next heir after me that would’ve been executed this year if
you stay hidden,” Mr. Choi says as he stares pierced through Hansol’s skull dead on both of
his eyes. Hansol found himself freezed on his feet, he shouldn’t feel intimidated by his own
father, he did his rebellious acts quite often back in the day. Then why does he feel so scared
right now? Maybe because he finally admitted that he’s nothing beside being his family’s
youngest prince.

Besides being Choi Seungcheol’s replacement.

“Hansol, I don’t have all day –”

“I want to come back,” Hansol cut him off. His old man stares at him in silence, frowning his
forehead as he tries to process the information he just heard. “I don’t think I would get any
job immediately after finishing my research later. So, I’ve been doing some business
seminars and online classes this past week. Thinking if maybe I’ve still got anything from the
lectures you and mom had always taken me on weekends,” Hansol continued with
maintaining his gaze towards his father. To give him his determination that none of this was a
lie.

Well, a few percent of it was that but let’s not talk about it right now. His confession was met
with another silence enveloped in the room. The tension was so thick, Hansol felt hot inside.
He wants to tug his collar to let more air go through his inner side of his body but the gesture
would make his father suspicious towards him.

Hansol feels like he’s a whole new person, creating a whole new persona only to please his
father. Maybe he’s always been like this, pleasing the neighborhood, pleasing Seungkwan,
pleasing WONDERLAND – pleasing Seungcheol.

His father then drops his glasses on the table and stands up. Hansol was bewildered at the
action. He parted his mouth to utter a word before he got tugged into his embrace. Too tight,
he felt like he was crushed in the embrace of his own father.

Hansol was confused, because this is the first time after so many years his father showed
some physical affection towards him. While bringing both of his hands to reply to the
embrace, his father whispers against his ear. “I know you will come back,” the old man says,
“You’re not going to survive without us, son. Because you’re not him.” It’s good while it
lasts if Hansol wants to be honest.

The only thing Hansol could do was bury his face on his father’s neck. Remembering the last
time he was this clingy towards the old man – it was around his kindergarten days, other than
that, he’s invisible to his father’s eyes.

But from now on, he won’t.

“I know,” Hansol finally admits, letting his tears fall down to his cheek, “I know.”
Days rolled to weeks and Hansol was surprisingly capable of catching up with the pace of his
family’s company work. Since he now put all of his belongings back to his own room, his
dorm room was left vacant and in the middle of him to let it empty for the rest of his
semester. His only task left was his undergrad thesis project, so he won’t be staying around
campus that often except if he wants to meet his professor. It also has been a few days since
he and Seungkwan met.

It has been difficult for the two of them to meet on a regular basis. With Hansol being too
coped up with his projects and his father’s works given to him. Hansol is also a regular now
to be present in any company meeting, led by his father or his cousins. Knowing that the
rebellious Chwe Hansol had come back to the company, it was already decided that the CEO
place would be given to him.

Even if the full authority was still being controlled by his father after he stepped down from
his position, Hansol would still take it. He knows he’s going to be a sacrificed lamb – he’d
always been.

“It went perfectly fine, no one got suspicious about my motives,” Hansol told Seungkwan
through their video call one night. On the screen, Seungkwan was sitting on his chair and his
laptop was placed on his study desk in his dorm room. Seungkwan cups his jaw with his
palm, staring at his screen to look at how Hansol slurps his ramyeon while still wearing his
white plain shirt. His hair was disheveled, not good for his sanity, who has always been
running his own fingers through those dark strands everyday.

It goes too smoothly in the funniest way possible, Seungkwan thinks as he listens to Hansol’s
day going for today. Hearing about another tantrum from his best friend (best friend? Is he
only a best friend to him? Well, it’s complicated) about his cousins who don’t like his
presence in the company. Even when Hansol only showed up to be his father’s puppet,
standing beside him, and trying to understand what the hell was going on. In what
Seungkwan could understand from the information through every stories, he knows that
Hansol’s father is a fuck up man.

“So, what will you do tomorrow?” Seungkwan asks, finally getting an attention darted
towards him from Hansol. Answering that question makes Seungkwan receive a chuckle, a
loud one, the usual chuckle when Hansol doesn’t believe what was happening in his life. “It’s
funny because everything just comes perfectly into our plan? Like, does Chan hacked my
father’s mind or something?” When he gets an unamused face from Seungkwan, Hansol
mumble a quiet sorry. Then he finally answered Seungkwan’s question, “Tomorrow, the
company will have a meeting with the prime minister.”
The information makes Seungkwan quirk an eyebrow.

“Why would your family’s company have to meet the prime minister?”

“Because of Hong Jisoo.”

Then everything just clicked in Seungkwan’s mind. Jisoo’s reputation was still known as
Seungcheol’s killer. Even when there’s not enough evidence, Jisoo got himself framed to
somehow save his father’s reputation. If Hansol will meet Jisoo tomorrow, it will be their first
meeting since Hansol left WONDERLAND.

Seungkwan doesn’t like this plan at first. Letting Hansol impulsively get back to the place
that gave him hell, the place that should’ve been a home for him but never felt like one for
years. Seungkwan had always reminded him that he shouldn’t do all of this only to slap
Seungcheol back to reality. His life was never centered around Seungcheol, but Seungkwan
also had to blame his parents for making the environment around Hansol to be centered only
about Seungcheol.

At the end of the day, Seungkwan could only stand by Hansol’s side. Reassuring him that
everything would work out like he planned – like they had planned.

The most important thing for Seungkwan is for Hansol to come back home. For Hansol to
come back to him after all of this end. “Be safe,” Seungkwan said when the night had drifted
off to late, “I’m serious, Hansol. I need you to come back to me after all of this.” It’s dark in
Seungkwan’s room, but somehow it suddenly lights up on his screen when Hansol flashes
him a wide smile, the same smile Seungkwan had fallen after all these years.

Seungkwan held back his tears when Hansol’s cheek found comfort on his pillow. He
should’ve been there, Hansol shouldn’t be there – they should’ve been together.

“Kwan.”
“Hm?”

“I’ll be back,” Hansol states on that night and somehow it’s enough for Seungkwan.

On the next day, Hansol woke up and dressed up like it’s an everyday routine for him. Well, it
is already a routine for him. Keeping his posture straight to meet his parents on the dining
table, trying to engage conversation, asking about how well the company is now, the
differences before he went to college and now. Mrs. Choi unexpectedly gushing about how
she’s been handling the company’s economy division, while Mr. Choi was focused on how he
should find the person who stole their family’s diamond.

“I’m sure that son a bitch has it,” Hansol chokes on his soup at what his mother said. “Who?
Do you guys have any idea about who stole it?” Hansol asked, curiosity almost killed a cat in
an instance at the moment. Mr. Choi put his coffee on the table to fix his glasses, “I’m sure
you know by now who’s the culprit is.” Hansol’s gaze now meets his father’s halfway and
somehow he swallows, “Hong Jisoo wasn’t alone when he stole the diamond and he’s not the
one who killed your brother.”

On the way to the prime minister's office building, Hansol only stays silent. Does Jisoo
hyung know anything about this? Do they know if my family had already suspected Jisoo was
not alone? Do they know that everything was an act? The more Hansol thinks about it, the
more hurt his head becomes. Arriving in front of the office lobby, his father immediately got
escorted to where the prime minister office is while Hansol was escorted to a different room.
Stepping in an empty meeting room with CCTV were placed on each corner of the ceilings,
so much for the security Hansol must admit.

Hansol let his fingers graze on the marbled table placed in the center of the room. Being a
vigilante for years, it trained him to be sensitive to his surroundings. But sometimes, he
couldn’t be aware all the time about everything surrounding him. Including now, when he
didn’t realize someone was standing on the other side of the table.

“It’s a funny time for us to always meet like this, Vernon,” Hansol flinches, turning his head
too fast for his own good to the other side. In front of him, Jisoo was standing with both of
his hands tucked comfortably inside his pants. The older man flashes him a small smile, his
eyes squinted to assert dominance on who owns this conversation. “So brave of you to leave
your brother behind and go back to where everything started,” Jisoo says, putting his arm on
one of the chairs in the room, “You should’ve been the one who understands your brother the
most.”

“Do you really believe that I’m going back to my family?”

“It looks like it,” Jisoo replies without missing a beat. When he doesn’t get any remark back
from Hansol, Jisoo stares at him with an unreadable expression. “Listen to me, hyung,” the
use of honorifics made Jisoo quirk an eyebrow, “I know what Seungcheol hyung is thinking
and feeling. Hell, I was there when everything happened.” Hansol stared down at the table,
recalling all those remarks given by his parents to him.

About him being not good enough as Seungcheol’s replacement. That even when he gets the
position, he still wouldn’t be enough as their puppet. The impulsive side of him took over,
thinking if he gets Jisoo under his wing and tells him about the plan, maybe his plan will be
elevated as they go. Hansol’s eyes widen and somehow Jisoo senses the crazy idea in him.

“I got an idea.”

“You sure look like you have one,” Jisoo scoffs, folding his arms on his chest, “What is it?”

Hansol exhales slowly and stares back at the older man, “Help me find Kim Mingyu.”
 xiv. hansol to mingyu
Chapter Summary

For a split second, Hansol really thinks he is the main character.

Jisoo shuts his eyes tiredly, “Please, don’t do that again.”

“Okay,” and Hansol agrees.

“Why did I agree with all of this?” It's the question that popped up in Jisoo’s mind while he
was driving his car. Besides him, specifically on the passenger seat, was seated Chwe Hansol
who looked more nervous than before. Jisoo passes him a quick glance, confused on why the
younger man looked nervous when he’s the one who pitched the original idea. “Why did you
look so nervous? You seemed pretty confident a few days ago when you told me what to do,”
Jisoo asked with his usual sarcastic tone.

Hansol doesn’t pass him a glance. Somehow it just struck him this morning, thinking about
what he’s going to do. This morning, his mother asked him where he will go today. Hansol
said he has various meetings to attend, regarding the whereabouts of their family’s diamonds.

For almost a month, Mr. Choi still doesn’t get any suspicions on what Hansol's motives are
until now. That’s good, Seungkwan ushered him to keep it that way while Chan did his own
thing to collect more information and inform some of WONDERLAND’s affiliations who are
also doing underground works with CHOI CORPORATION. If Hansol keeps being his
father’s pleaser for approximately until the Gala happens, his plan is going to work out
smoothly. However, Mrs. Choi is another level of problem.

“How come you suddenly take some interest in our family’s diamonds? Do you want to take
half of it somewhere?” His mother suddenly asked when Hansol just finished zipping his bag.
At that time, Jisoo already sent him a text that he’s already near where the family’s mansion
is. He sabotaged the street’s CCTV beforehand all by himself, talking about abuse of power
and working under a criminal organization. Hansol exhales a sigh as he turns to face his
mother, “Probably. Will hyung be proud of me when you found the diamonds were suddenly
buried in his grave?” which wasn’t a lie at all because he, too, also wanted Seungcheol to be
proud of him.
If he’s not mistaken, he heard his mother mumbles about how the hell he could live up to
their expectation towards Seungcheol. For people who always mocked their deceased son in
public, Hansol felt embarrassed for them. The other problem for today’s plan is none other
than Jeon Wonwoo. Hansol’s worst scenario involves Wonwoo who could be the one taking
over Mingyu’s line of work, knowing the son of the city's mayor has always been too focused
with his gambling activities and only shows up when he needs to be the representative of his
deceased father.

There’s another problem with this plan other than Jeon Wonwoo, at least for Hong Jisoo.
“Seokmin doesn’t know about this, right?” Jisoo asked that day in the meeting hall, after
Hansol asked him to find Kim Mingyu. Hansol shakes his head, for a person who planned an
almost-suicide-plan like this, he looked too confused from Jisoo’s perspective. “Why? Should
he know about this?” Hansol quirked an eyebrow towards the older man, “That’s a pretty
good idea –”

“No.”

“No?” Seungkwan once told him about an interesting relationship enveloped between Hong
Jisoo and a certain crime doctor from WONDERLAND. Hansol was currently playing stupid,
because he wanted to know more about their relationship and Jisoo being an absolute shit he
is, won't give him any closure for his curiosity. It’s not like there wasn't enough evidence for
Hansol to assume their relationship is more than just colleagues. Hansol just wants to know
when their relationship started, because Seokmin is only a year older than him.

But the only reason Hansol got from Jisoo about why the doctor shouldn’t know anything
about this plan was because Seokmin knows too much.

“He’s also one of our frontliners who’s not too exposed to the public as one of
WONDERLAND. Same like Chan and yet you dragged him into your mess,” it’s his turn to
arches an eyebrow towards Hansol, “You really do look like your brother. More than you
ever expected.” Hansol doesn’t know if that’s a compliment or not, and yet, coming from
Hong Jisoo from all people, he took it as one. “That’s just another excuse for you not wanting
him to get hurt in certain ways,” Jisoo wants to give his usual sarcastic remark but Hansol
raises his right hand to cut him off, “Trust me, I know that face of yours when you talk about
his safety.” They fell into another silence, waiting for Jisoo to give another bullshit excuse for
Hanstol to roll his eyes, “Because I feel the same towards Seungkwan’s safety.”
From that day on, Jisoo called their usual banter for a temporary truce. Then Hansol found
himself sitting on the passenger seat of Jisoo’s personal car. The older man wears his usual
casual suit set, not too formal, but still embracing elegance for the son of the prime minister.
Hansol drove the car to Kim Mingyu’s personal office location from Chan who sent Jisoo the
exact coordinate for them to drive through a different route rather than taking the common
one.

The exact reason was to minimize getting caught by Jeon Wonwoo. Their worst scenario is to
be caught by Jeon Wonwoo at the end of the day. Jisoo seems like the type of person who
doesn’t want to talk about Wonwoo, even when Hansol tries to ask him about what the latter
usually does when he’s still in WONDERLAND. Because he got a glimpse of it from Jihoon,
maybe because they grew up together.

“From a person who doesn’t want this plan to be ruined by him, you sure talk a lot about
Wonwoo, aren’t you? Why? Because you’re curious why Seungcheol really adored him long
ago?” Even when they were in a temporary truce from their usual banter, Jisoo still talks like
an asshole. Hansol stares at him with a fixed gaze, giving a shiver through Jisoo’s spines that
he won’t admit for the rest of his life. “I just want to know something about him,” Hansol
responds, then darting back his gaze towards the rode in front of him, “About why and how
he was doing what he is doing right now.” Because there’s still something from the plan that
Jisoo doesn’t know.

But, oh well, it is nice to prank the son of the prime minister once in a while.

It took them an hour with a car to arrive in front of another mansion. Hansol let out a small
huff under his breath, receiving a chuckle from Jisoo’s side. He’s getting tired of seeing
another mansion after escaping from one. They get out of the car when one of the mansion’s
security rushes over to Jisoo’s side, taking the car key for him to park.

“Is Kim Mingyu home?” Jisoo asks and the security gives him a small nod, “He’s been
waiting for your arrival, Hong Jisoo-ssi.” It’s Jisoo’s turn to nod, glancing quickly towards
Hansol’s direction. “Good. He better behave that way until today ends,” Jisoo let the man
drive his car to where the parking lot is. Leaving the two of them standing in front of the
open door in front of them.

Hansol is rethinking the decision that he will make for the next few hours. The possibilities
of people surrounding him would get hurt or, more extremely, die. He was thinking about
Seungkwan, his smile, his lighten up glint everytime they talk through their video calls, and
how the older man wants him to come back after all of this ends. Even when not exactly on
the field, Seungkwan was also giving his life on the line together with him and Chan.

Jisoo was staring at him from the side, noticing Hansol nervousness radiating through him,
“You okay, big boy?” and somehow the concern came from the corrupted prime minister’s
son that doesn't irk him at all. Hansol exhales, straightens his posture, “Let’s do this.”

For a split second, Hansol really thinks he is the main character.

Jisoo shuts his eyes tiredly, “Please, don’t do that again.”

“Okay,” and Hansol agrees.

The first thing Hansol notices is that this mansion was built to be an office building. But it
looked like the mayor’s personal home from the outside. Hansol sure knows this kind of trick
where people used a whole different architecture to build something different from its design
origin. This architecture was for a house, a big one, because it’s a mansion, like his parents
house.

Another thing he noticed is there’s too many doors for them to finally find Kim Mingyu. His
area is more secluded from the public area in the building. Looking at the pathway where
Hansol even found an inside garden for them to pass, built like a traditional fusion of Korean
and Japanese interior. Hansol couldn’t stop his architect geek to play in his mind while
passing those kinds of interiors, Seungkwan will probably love this place.

There’s another door, hopefully it will be the last, opens in front of them. Hansol could barely
hear Jisoo cursed under his breath. Knowing how many doors were opened for them to reach
to where Kim Mingyu is. Both men who were guarding the door let them into another office
that was placed at the back of the building.
This room is also the last room everyone would find in the building.

“Oh, it’s the problematic conglomerates,” the sight of Kim Mingyu leaning against his own
desk office, playing with one of his clay figures displayed on it welcomed Jisoo and Hansol
who were just stepped into the room, “Never in my wildest dream to have an honor for the
three of us to gather like this.” It would be fun if Seungcheol is here, because all four of them
have their own reputation to hold for their conglomerates families. Hansol stands stall besides
Jisoo who also has a staring contest with Mingyu. “Is there anything that I could do for both
of you?” Mingyu stalls the topic of their conversation.

There is something well known about Kim Mingyu, besides him being a professional
gambler with an international reputation. Kim Mingyu is smart and his smartness exceeds the
roof of his mansion.

“Does WONDERLAND need their diamonds from me?”

The question is not enough to throw Jisoo and Hansol out of their rhythm, especially Jisoo
who was still working under WONDERLAND. To be more precise, he is one of the founders
of the crime organization. The calculation for Mingyu to know what WONDERLAND is was
already passed when they knew Jeon Wonwoo was working under him. But knowing who he
was talking to about WONDERLAND is the point in this situation.

There’s still no response coming from Jisoo nor Hansol, that gesture makes Mingyu curl a
smirk on his lips. “Seungcheollie was left alone by his brother now, isn’t he?” Hansol curls a
fist under his suit, but he won’t take the bait like last time. Mingyu noticed it and nodded in
approval, “You really love your brother, aren’t you? Then what you did back in the Gala sure
pissed him off.” Jisoo raise his hand, stopping Hansol from talking, and Mingyu who was
going to prolong his bait to provoke the two of them, “We’re not here to represent
WONDERLAND,” the statement give Mingyu to arches his eyebrow in confusion, “At least
for me.”

Then Jisoo glanced towards Hansol, instructing him to talk about his plan for the rest of the
day. Intrigued, Mingyu straightens his pose and folds both of his arms in front of his chest.
Hansol only responded with a quick nod and now giving his full attention to the son of the
city’s mayor in front of him. There will be chaos erupts in this room for the next few minutes,
but Hansol thinks it’s better to try rather than be stuck in the dark filled with what could’ve
been.
“I want to take those diamonds with Jeon Wonwoo’s help.”

Jisoo choked on his own saliva and Mingyu widened his eyes in shock.

“What the fuck, Vernon?”

“Please, listen to me for a second,” Hansol requests and Mingyu silences Jisoo with a raised
finger. Hansol mumbles a little thank you under his breath. “You know that Jeon Wonwoo
also works under my family’s command. He had been luring my brother to take him back
into the organization and yet he won’t do it until he gets all of the diamonds under his grip. In
that means, he may also plan to kill you on his plans,” Mingyu arches an eyebrow at the
younger man, “No offense, I know both of you probably have more of a relationship than
everyone would know the details. But Jeon Wonwoo is a person who works under someone
who gives him more profit from his perspective. At this point, my family gave him more
money rather than yours.” Jisoo closed his mouth with his palm, hiding the laugh he was
holding on the truth revealed by Hansol about his ex-colleague.

Surprisingly, Mingyu doesn’t look offended with the truth splashed onto his face. It’s like he
knows more about Jeon Wonwoo more than everyone ever could. Maybe more than the
WONDERLAND members themselves. Mingyu fidgets his fingers after he listens to
Hansol’s words at him, nodding along the way.

“I’ve known him since he was one of the workers in BUREUL JIPYEO. You do know about
what you did back then, Hong Jisoo?” Mingyu’s gaze averted to where Jisoo was standing, a
thick tension hanging between the two, “On how you also first met with my dear doctor
friend.” Hansol picked up the hint too fast as he turned his head towards Jisoo after that.
Jisoo stayed silent, his jaw was squared, clenching at whatever Mingyu intended to target him
this time. Then Mingyu moved on suddenly, “Just so you know, I also have been lying to
Wonwoo hyung. He thought that I didn’t know where and when we first met, the only
memory I had about him was when he stepped into this office for the first time. He still thinks
he’s smart, covering all of his past in front of me and what he’d done until now.”

Mingyu was smiling dumbly when Jisoo chimes in.

“I think he knows that you were acting.”

“I think so too, hyung.”

Then the two of them were laughing. Hansol still doesn’t know what the hell these
conglomerates were thinking.

“Well, Chwe Hansol. I will take care of Wonwoo hyung then. I think he will be delighted to
know that you’re going to steal your own family’s diamond,” Mingyu says as he walks back
to sit on his chair. It must be pretty tiring for him to stand all the time, “I really hope your
brother won’t faint to know about your plan. I heard he’s really protective towards your
safety.” He’s not wrong for that, Hansol had always felt secure while he was living outside
the mansion.

Yet maybe Hansol is not the kind of younger brother that Seungcheol expected.

“He expects too much from me,” Hansol responded, a faint smile plastered on his lips. No
one comments on the statement, especially Jisoo, because he knows better that it's somehow
true from every aspect.
 xv. hansol to wonwoo
Chapter Summary

Hansol knows about it, that’s why he adds another statement, “I could give you more
money than the mayor has to do with you.”

“Mingyu knows about this?”

“He knows everything about you, doesn’t he?”

Seoul is unexpectedly not that crowded on a random afternoon today. Especially around the
narrow district near the suburb areas in the capital city. It is unexpectedly quiet for today,
probably because it’s still noon and most of the workers who work near the company sites in
the area were busy getting their lunch breaks. All of them except a man who was seen
standing across the road, facing the building just at the other side of where he was standing.

Wonwoo is not the type to walk on a memory lane for himself. Especially if it’s involving his
old days back in WONDERLAND headquarter. He didn’t say he had a bad life experience
while working under Choi Seungcheol, the next heir of CHOI CORPORATION who has
already lived up to his rebellious reputation alongside Hong Jisoo back then. It was more to
the other opportunities he could have gotten, but it didn’t happen for so many reasons.

The man takes glances at the empty building in front of him. It had been years since the last
time he saw the LED board lit up every night to tell people who own that building. The
Korean words of BUREUL JIPYEO’s paint had almost gone, but it’s still there. Same as the
building, no one dared to demolish it even though Wonwoo really wanted it to be completely
gone.

“I know you don’t want it to be gone,” Kim Mingyu’s voice rings into his mind. One night
when Wonwoo knew the big reason why the building was still standing tall until this day. It
was all because Mingyu had bought the building and shared the stock with Seungcheol to put
Wonwoo’s aside after they were caught having occasional meetings outside the older man’s
working hours in BUREUL JIPYEO. Wonwoo remembers Mingyu’s hand covering his,
squeezing it to reassure him calmly, “The bar was not completely Seungcheol. It was yours
and your friends.”
The plan came up from Soonyoung’s mouth when the four of them were taken in by the
oldest brothers in their early days. Jun was interested, Jihoon brushed it off, and Wonwoo
encouraged him like usual. They presented their plan to their oldest brothers, telling them this
is the only thing they could do by themselves if they want to prove something to them.
Seungcheol gave the authority to Jeonghan while Jisoo had agreed since the first day.

BUREUL JIPYEO was theirs and it always has been. Just like its name, the memory had
been lighted up to the flame. Wonwoo was aware he was consumed by greed and jealousy
back then. But all of those feelings he stored in his chest had led him to where he is now.

Overall, it was not that bad to betray your childhood friends for more money in different
places. The world is just too cruel for kind people like them. Hence why Wonwoo still took
one of these anonymous offers coming at him, even when he had to face the building again.
Wonwoo averts his gaze to his phone on his right hand, staring at the latest text from his
client for today.

“There will be a sign from my underlings to tell you we’ve arrived,” Wonwoo read the
sentence on his screen. A minute of silence before he closes his screen again. “Is this person a
new mafia boss? Why does it sound like he’s so amateur for this kind of job?” Wonwoo let
out a heavy sigh, scanning the neighborhood he’s currently standing. It is unusual for him to
take a job offer from an anonymous person.

From the day he’s in WONDERLAND, Wonwoo has always got his jobs from the
government or other people who want their reputation to stay safe in the public and the rest
hidden in the dark. Hence why he’s also known to be the only person everyone wanted to
work with – because he has everyone’s secrets under his grip, including Kim Mingyu.

There’s a screeching sound coming from the nearest alley from where Wonwoo is. At first, he
didn’t bat an eye to the sound. Probably another drunk incident involving a car crashed
through another building on a random afternoon. The only thing that made Wonwoo decide to
run towards the alley it’s the screeching noise coming from a cat following next.

“Oh my God!” Wonwoo found a man screaming at the ground, “I think I just killed him.”
There’s a cat laying on the ground and Wonwoo had to shut his eyes for a second. “Sir, you
just –” Wonwoo starts and the man in front of him vanishes. If he gives himself time to think
about this whole sequence for another second, there’s something fishy about it.
There will be a sign from my underlings to tell you we’ve arrived.

Wonwoo lets out a low chuckle at the same time when there’s another step approaching. “Oh,
I’m not wrong when I thought you were acting like a new mafia boss,” he turns his heels to
meet the gaze belonging to Chwe Hansol halfway, “Are you finally following your brother’s
footsteps?” Hansol’s footsteps stopped, leaving a 2 meters between the two of them. “No,”
Hansol answers and Wonwoo arches his eyebrow, “I’m doing this not because of my brother.
It’s for myself.” Since the time when Wonwoo was still in WONDERLAND, he had been
heard a lot of things about Seungcheol’s younger brother.

Seungcheol loves him, Jeonghan admires him, and Jisoo despises him. The only man who
unconsciously had the trinity revolves around him without himself knowing the advantage
about it. That’s the thing Wonwoo dislikes the most about Hansol – he doesn’t know he’s
privileged enough to do all of these things. He could do it with or without Seungcheol doing
while Wonwoo, he had to fight Seungcheol himself to get the things he should get.

Wonwoo sticks out his tongue in his mouth, “So, what’s your things that have to do with
me?” Hansol was still maintaining his gaze at the older man, “You have something that I
should have.” Knowing where this is going to go makes Wonwoo scoff at the statement.
Hansol knows about it, that’s why he adds another statement, “I could give you more money
than the mayor has to do with you.”

“Mingyu knows about this?”

“He knows everything about you, doesn’t he?” Hearing about the question somehow gives an
invisible irritation for Jeon Wonwoo himself. Hansol also noticed that – he’s been noticing
way before when he had to dig deeper about the relationship those two have. “You have an
important person under your care, I also have one too. We can protect them by not giving my
family what they want and just give it to the neighborhood. Give it back to the people who
need it the most. You were a WONDERLAND before, you know about these things,” Hansol
says. Wonwoo only let out a low chuckle, “What did the guys tell you about me? That I was
the one who usually cleaned the game lounge?” Hansol shrugs, “They told me you’re a good
guy. Especially my brother.”
The statement left him rolling his eyes for the nth time for today. Hansol is a naive person,
Wonwoo saw himself in him, and probably Seungcheol also did too.

“Okay,” Wonwoo also wanted to jump into that naivety again, “What’s the plan?”

Hansol didn’t exchange enough conversations with Wonwoo, except when they were talking
about the plan. Other than that, the older man preferred to keep enough distance with his
boss’s next heir. The other thing Hansol noticed is how Wonwoo stared at Chan while they
were in the room together. It was also the moment when Wonwoo noticed Seungkwan, the
man who disappeared after he heard the cat screeching from the alley.

“So, he’s your Jeonghan or sorts?” Wonwoo asks. Chan stiffens and Seungkwan grips tighter
behind Hansol. While the youngest prince still maintains his gaze at Wonwoo, “He’s Boo
Seungkwan. One of our major’s TA on campus and he’s smart with buildings.” Hearing that,
Chan had to hold his laugh while being smacked by Seungkwan at the back of his head.

It was like an elephant in the room for Wonwoo. He tries to hold back himself to at least hold
a conversation with Chan, the only person he could rely on even with the fact he’s still
working in the neighborhood under WONDERLAND. Chan, the WONDERLAND’s
youngest who now finally has people for him to play with. The sight he couldn’t get when
he’s still in WONDERLAND back then.

“Wonwoo hyung often treats me for food when he’s not working,” Chan told Hansol about
this, on how Wonwoo looked hurt to have to stay professional in his work line, “I understand
his decision. His problems with the oldest brothers were really complicated and I always
have been put aside from their line.” They were sitting in a circle while munching each of
their foods after the last meeting before tomorrow. Which is the day their plan will be
executed. “I had a whole reason why I chose to work in the neighborhood, I was alone in the
mansion, everyone had their own things to do,” Chan continued.

“You’re just a lonely and broke college student in conclusion,” Seungkwan chimes in.
“Let me have my moment for a second, please,” Chan whines. Very typical for their dynamic.
Chan turned his head to face Hansol, giving the older man a light squeeze on his shoulder. “It
will be legendary if you end your family before your graduation, hyung,” Hansol widens his
eyes and Seungkwan had to crack a laugh, “But on top of that, we will always be on your
side. Well, Seungkwan hyung will, because he loves you.”

Then there’s a silence enveloping in the air. Hansol’s eyes were still wide while Seungkwan
shot the sharpest stare he ever had in years of him living on this planet at Chan. On the other
hand, Chan only blinks in confusion. The problem Hansol has right now is more important
than the mutual pining he has with his college friend.

At the end of the day, both men had to put their heads together and talk through their
relationship. “Well, I’ve liked you for a very long time,” Hansol confesses, the two of them
decided to sleep in Seungkwan’s dorm room before heading out tomorrow morning.
Seungkwan stares at the other man with full fondness as he smiles a little, “I know,” carefully
tucking the black strands to the back of Hansol’s right ear, “Hence why you’ve always done
things carelessly to protect me.” Hansol let out a low chuckle, holding Seungkwan's hand
resting on his cheek, “I assure you, as long as you were with me, you’re not going to hurt.”

Without having to say things to the latter, Seungkwan would follow Hansol everywhere. As
long as they were together.

On the next day, the plan was started at a place near the suburb area. The whole plan was for
Hansol to take the diamonds for himself while being assisted by Wonwoo. At first, Wonwoo
asked him why he chose him for this job, aside from being one of the deadliest assassins and
wanted man in the underground world. Hansol only answered because Wonwoo has the right
to see where the diamonds are.

Because it belongs to Seungcheol and WONDERLAND. It never belonged to their family,

Hansol heard it himself that their parents gave it to Seungcheol. They wanted to take it back
because it is the only thing that can secure the family and company’s reputation. Since
Seungcheol’s death, their reputation has been getting worse and worse, adding the fact that
Hansol cut off his ties with them after graduating high school.

“What if I betray you later on?” Wonwoo asked again, ignoring how Chan starred in his
direction. Hansol squared his jaw, trying to stay calm. “I know my parents have given you a
lot of money for you to give them the diamonds. But I’m going to tell you, it won't be worth
anything for them and also for you,” Hansol only gave him that exact answer. Leaving
Wonwoo wondering on how the hell Hansol’s mind worked.

There’s an underground tunnel being opened from an abandoned building wall. Same kind of
the blueprint of Hansol’s undergrad thesis project. Because, of course, it would be the same
kind as his project. The one who built this was also under Jihoon’s orders, the same quick
getaway route Hansol worked for back in the theater building.

It was not the first time for Hansol to ever see a bunker. Hell, he did a bunch of vigilante shits
with Seungkwan for years. Let alone also for Chan, he had worked with WONDERLAND
also for half of his years living on this earth. But to finally see the diamonds Seungcheol had
always talked about since they were younger did something for Hansol’s heart.

One of Wonwoo’s men opens the bunker code and lets them stare with their naked eye at the
diamonds shining towards their direction. The diamonds that were believed to be able broke
any tight relationships between conglomerates and governments. Shining diamonds that were
wanted by many organizations, belonged to the deceased high schooler, bastard son of CHOI
CORPORATION and believed to be gone after being handed to Kim Mingyu in one random
night. The long night after he had met Jeon Wonwoo in their sacred bar.

Hansol was hesitant at first – it feels like he doesn’t belong here. All of this was not his to
touch. But Seungkwan grips his hand tight, making Hansol glance at him for a moment.
“Hey,” Seungkwan says, “Everything’s going to be fine after all of this. You’re doing great
only to be able to see all of this.”

The sentence eases Hansol’s mind in some way. Hansol turned his heels to face Wonwoo. He
parts his mouth to utter another syllable of words and immediately shuts it again when he is
faced by the gun that Wonwoo was holding towards the three of them. Seungkwan grips
tighter to Hansol’s clothes while Chan puts his left arm in front of Hansol.

“Wonwoo hyung,” the youngest calls out. Wonwoo doesn’t faze – he’s smiling instead.
“Thank you for the sight of the beautiful friendship the three of you have been giving me
these past few days. It was nice to see people still have trust within each other after what
they’ve been through,” the other men standing behind him also pointed their guns at them.
Chan takes a few steps backwards, still trying to protect his two best friends.
Wonwoo’s stomach twisted at the sight. It was like that night when he killed Choi
Seungcheol for the first time.

He also uttered the same sentence before pulling the trigger.

“I’m sorry.”
 xvi. hansol by wonwoo
Chapter Summary

Wonwoo can die and rot in hell for everyone’s happiness but not Mingyu.

Never Mingyu.

Pulling the trigger is not an unfamiliar act Wonwoo had ever done in his life. In fact, it’s part
of his life. Wonwoo had made closure with that part of his life, knowing he’s not going to live
a normal life he and his other three friends hoped back in their orphanage. Killing people had
been his reputation and people made money from it.

Staring at Chwe Hansol and Boo Seungkwan bodies leaning against each other onto the
bunker wall did stir his mentality for a bit. It has been a long time since he felt like this.
Hence why he decided to leave WONDERLAND, because the familial feeling piled inside
him will make his job got harder and harder in time if he ever finds a sight of Jun,
Soonyoung, and Jihoon had a minor scratch on their skin. Wonwoo glanced over to find Chan
staring at the bodies in front of him with widened eyes.

The youngest of their hierarchy has finally tasted the feeling of helplessness Wonwoo had
experienced years ago. When he felt a glimpse of red from his eyes after seeing Mingyu’s
unconsciousness on the floor.

“Chan –”

“Hyung,” Chan croaks out in a hoarse voice, slowly turning his head to Wonwoo. His face
expresses distraught, fear, and the unbearables feeling of unbelieving of what he just
witnessed in a span of seconds. Wonwoo loaded his gun again and Chan flinched, “Hyung,”
he called out again. Wonwoo was shaking, Chan knew it, and yet he’s still maintaining his
face as he points the gun towards the youngest now.

Chan almost let out a beg. He was holding onto Hansol and Seungkwan bodies on him,
keeping them close to his body. A mafia never begged for his life, even in their last second of
living. If Chan ever does that in front of Wonwoo, it would make all of his years under
WONDERLAND go to waste.

Hence, Wonwoo still pulled the trigger. Flinching at the aftershock as he witnesses Chan’s
body also slowly goes limp. The sight in front of him made his stomach twisted. Somehow, it
looked like the sight where Seungcheol found him with Jun, Soonyoung, and Jihoon in the
middle of their orphanage ruins because of the fire decades ago.

Wonwoo inhales, giving the gun to one of his men standing by his sides before giving them
an order. “Get rid of them,” he says as he fixes his blazer, “and make sure to throw Chwe
Hansol’s body to the river.” His men nodded and immediately did their tasks. While Wonwoo
walks out from the bunker with the diamonds never gets dirtied by the blood splatters and
leaves.

No one ever knows where Jeon Wonwoo lives, not even the employees who have the same
scale as a worker in the mayor’s building as him. People who came to meet him only know
he’s close with Kim Mingyu and works as their head of offense’s force. Wonwoo kept it
professional and it worked, no other person beside his boss knew where he came and went in
the first place. He works with anyone and blends with everyone, hence that he’s sometimes
made fun of as a ghost or for some people, his name is the only thing that remains in their
heads.

The day slowly rolls to afternoon and Wonwoo parked his car in an apartment basement
building. He walked through the dim hallway, isolated compared to the other floors, but it
consisted of a big and spacious condominium for someone to live in alone. When the lift
dings open, he’s welcomed by the sight of a single door, connecting the outer world to the
condominium. Without thinking so much of his decisions after he just killed three college
students in the early morning, Wonwoo opened the door and shut it after.

There’s another sight he has to face after shutting the door behind him. A tan-skinned
exposed man wearing shorts hugging his hip was in the middle of eating an apple.

“You left early today,” Mingyu commented, biting a big piece from his apple, “Someone
hired you again these days? Been betraying me again behind my back, Jeon Wonwoo-ssi?”
there’s a smirk peeking from the apple. Wonwoo rolls his eyes and takes off his blazer to put
it on the chair near the kitchen bar. “Shut up. You need to get ready for the next 30 minutes.
Your men will come up and fetch you for the meeting,” Wonwoo responded and took another
apple for himself. Mingyu doesn’t utter any words to reply, instead for replying, he walks
over the kitchen bar to nuzzle his nose to Wonwoo’s nape.

Wonwoo flinches, but he still manages to take a bite from his apple. When he feels a pair of
arms wrapped around his hip, Wonwoo lets out a small huff. Mingyu’s is unbearable when
he’s in his clingy mode and it happens in the morning. He’s feeling sulky to be left out from
any of Wonwoo’s own personal schedule.

For two men in a romantic relationship, one of them shouldn’t keep any secret from the other
one.

“You smell like blood,” Mingyu whispers against the older man’s nape. He can feel the latter
tense under his touch, after years of knowing each other, pushing and pulling the invisible
strings between them, there’s a little chance for Wonwoo to keep lying to Mingyu. Yet, all of
those little white lies had been laying in front of them for a long time and Mingyu still gave
another chance for Wonwoo to do his things. “You need an hour bath for this,” Mingyu
added, playing with Wonwoo’s belt around his hip, “after fucking me, of course.”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes, deep down in his heart, he’s relieved.

“The three rounds from last night didn’t satisfy you enough? I thought you loved it from your
moans.”

“I love it, hyung,” Mingyu let out a low whine, grumbling against Wonwoo’s shoulder
blades. The small gesture is enough to curl a smile on the assassin’s lips. “But you left me
again this morning. That counts a quick blow job and a round of unbelievable making love,”
Mingyu peck Wonwoo’s cheek and giggles, he knows the latter doesn’t like too much
affections poured all over him, but he also can’t run away from it because he’s tied for life
with Kim Mingyu. When Wonwoo doesn’t give any response, Mingyu whines again,
“Hyuunggg. I promise I’ll be good and won’t talk nonsense to the other mayor’s mouth for
today’s meeting.”

Oh, that is an interesting promise. Wonwoo immediately turned his body to face Mingyu.
Their height difference is not that subtle, people noticed it from the first sight. But somehow,
everytime Wonwoo was this close to Mingyu, the younger man just radiates a small puppy
energy that makes him want to keep it from the reality’s cruelty.
“Promise?” Wonwoo shows his pinky to Mingyu’s face and he immediately takes it to seal
the promise he just made, “Promise.” Wonwoo just thought about the aftermath of his action
this morning. He would probably have to land his feet on the WONDERLAND’s mansion
again to face the consequences he had been piled on for years ago. “Good boy,” Wonwoo
praises and Mingyu shows his wide grin before their lips connect halfway.

There’s also a big chance for Wonwoo to finally meet his death after all this time. That
means, he will leave Mingyu alone to whoever’s going to take care of him in the future. As
he lay Mingyu down to their bed again, Wonwoo put those thoughts to the back of his mind.
The most important thing for him now at the moment and forever until his last breath is to
keep Kim Mingyu happy.

Wonwoo can die and rot in hell for everyone’s happiness but not Mingyu.

Never Mingyu.

The news came up quicker than Wonwoo expected. But as usual, he’s prepared. The morning
when he expected Hansol’s body would be found, Wonwoo left the condominium with all of
his belongings. Before he leaves, he takes his time to stare at Mingyu in his sleeping state.

Tucking the long black strands to the back of the younger man’s ear, Wonwoo felt his
stomach twisted. The same feelings when he left his family behind in WONDERLAND
resurfaced. Those feelings of not wanting to let go and holding back his future are coming
back after years he buried inside the deepest part of his heart. Mingyu stirs in his sleep and
Wonwoo could only curl a small smile.

“You’ve grown so much, Gyu,” Wonwoo says under his breath, a lump was felt in his throat.
It was not that long since the first time they met at the bar, it was also not a good place for
having a nice first impression towards each other. Nothing comes out nice when you start
underground and as a criminal in a place filled with stinky conglomerates. “I’ve always
known you’re different from the other sons of conglomerates,” Wonwoo caressed Mingyu’s
cheek, the younger was still dozing off, “I’m sorry that we should end like this. I’ve also seen
it coming and I hope you do too.”
Wonwoo hopes Mingyu knows the consequences of having a relationship with him. That it
won’t last forever like fairytales always said. Planting the last soft kiss on Mingyu’s forehead,
Wonwoo left the place with only a sport bang slings on his right broad shoulder blades. After
the door shut early in the morning, when there’s no more fresh fermented peach scent
lingering in the air, Mingyu opened his eyes.

The drive to the headquarter takes around 30 minutes from where Wonwoo started.
Surprisingly, he feels relaxed. It’s like he had been waiting for this time. This won’t count as
his defeat after all these years torturing the WONDERLAND from afar – letting Seungcheol
fall into his trap and showing him the true moral his younger brother has.

He'd been driving for 20 minutes when he saw CHOI CORPORATION’s press conference
about the finding of their next heir's body in the same river where they found Seungcheol 8
years ago. There’s another twist in Wonwoo’s stomach and he immediately reaches for his
water. It’s between satisfaction and regret. Satisfied that he’d already won over the last and
only threat of his client’s for the diamonds chasing and regret of doing such things to a young
man.

Wonwoo wiped his tears when his car finally passed the gate of the mansion. Walking out
from the vehicle, giving a quick nod to the men who were standing to guard him. They were
there because he’s expected to come after the news resurfaced and no one other than him
would do such a thing to tell Choi Seungcheol indirectly. Wonwoo was guarded to the last
floor of the mansion, standing in front of Seungcheol’s office door after years he’d been in a
runaway.

When the door opens, he finds the two pillars standing there to welcome him. Not forgetting
the sight of handcuffs prettily wrapped around Wonwoo’s wrists binding together.

“It is a nice morning to start the day, hyungdeul,” Wonwoo greets, waving a small gesture
with his hands. His greeting only got a silent response from the two men. Seungcheol was
staring at him in disbelief while Jeonghan was grieving. The reason why Jeonghan was
grieving is enough to tell Wonwoo crucial information.

Yoon Jeonghan just lost his beloved little brother.

“I guess you found out about the news.”

“You threw him to the river,” Jeonghan sneers, teeth gritting, “The same river as what you
did to Seungcheol.” Wonwoo raises his right hand to stop Jeonghan with his accusations.
“Actually, it was our doing. Remember the night when both of you told me to kill him? For
the organization to proceed normally and both of you flew to Japan? Leaving us to handle all
the mess both of you created in the country?” Wonwoo arches his eyebrow, demanding an
explanation from them, “I guess that’s what happened that night. Nothing the same happened
to what I did to your beloved little brother.” Except one, the killing. Seungcheol was seen
tugging Jeonghan’s hand to make him stand near him before glancing again to Wonwoo’s
direction.

Disappointed is a delicate answer to tell what expression radiating from him at the moment.
Years ago Choi Seungcheol would be proud of Wonwoo after he’d done. Eliminating possible
threats to the organization hence there’s a whole reason why the higher ups of
WONDERLAND created BUREUL JIPYEO in the first place. Seungcheol also did the same
thing to Hansol as he did to him not long ago.

“You kicked him out, hyung.”

“He’s my brother.”

“That didn’t justify anything that you did just because he doesn’t have the same grudge as
you,” Wonwoo countered him again with another fact, “No one does have the same grudge as
you. Let alone your own fiancé. There’s a whole reason why he’s always under your business
and why the two of you argued about what’s best for the organization. Because of the
difference in your morals.” Wonwoo tightens his grip, letting the rust of the handcuffs brush
against his skin. “You never once thought of me and my family as yours. We were only your
underlings, the same as Hansol was to you. He won’t ever satisfy your needs and grudges in
the first place. You don’t want to save him because he’s exactly different from you,” he
doesn’t stop letting out those trains of sentences from his mouth. While Jeonghan has slowly
turned his face to Seungcheol, telepathically asking the truth of everything Wonwoo just said.

Jeon Wonwoo is also an expert at making lies. He could manipulate anyone with facts that he
knows before twisting it to be a weapon for him. Everyone who has already worked with him
knows these traits of him. Including Choi Seungcheol and Yoon Jeonghan.
Hence why Seungcheol gave him time to let him finish all of his talks.

“Are you done?” Seungcheol asks with his firm tone. When Wonwoo heard it, only a low
chuckle slipped through his lips. Though some sentimental shits won’t work on them then.
Wonwoo straightens his pose, curling a small smile on his lips, “This will be a long one, isn’t
it, hyung?” Seungcheol only gives him a quick nod while Jeonghan fixes the wrist button of
his shirt, “Now,” the Libra man says, “It’s my turn to talk.”
 xvii. hansol by jeonghan
Chapter Summary

The three of them won’t be here if Jeonghan doesn’t have his naive thoughts of being
capable of protecting the ones he loves. It happened too fast for Seungcheol to react to
it. Jeonghan suddenly walked towards where Wonwoo was standing. Even before
Seungcheol was quick to hold his hand back, Jeonghan had already landed his fist on
Wonwoo’s face.

Chapter Notes

ive been signing up for a different fests lately. i hope all of you are also excited with my
future works <3

happy belated birthday to my star, choi seungcheol! and also, in this house, we love and
cherishes hong jisoo.

Yoon Jeonghan has a younger sister. She’s pretty, witty as him, and mind her own business.
When Jeonghan started his college years, his sister only wanted him to be good as usual, not
too mischievous because he would throw himself into another problem. Seungcheol met his
sister often and she likes him, sometimes threatening him to take good care of Jeonghan
while she’s not capable enough at that time.

The time when Jeonghan fell into a family feud with CHOI CORPORATION. No one knows
what happened other than him and Seungcheol. The media don’t have any balls to dig for this
kind of information. It’s not a secret between people who work underground and the
neighborhood, but the public won’t believe it immediately.

If Wonwoo didn’t kill Seungcheol in front of his family’s men that night, they would be the
one who did it. Seungcheol wasn’t the next heir anymore since he walked out from the house.
They had been preparing for Hansol’s duty since then, even when the boy was still in high
school. The only way to make Hansol be focused on what their family had been prepared for
is to eliminate all the possible threats that could distract him.
Killing Choi Seungcheol is one of them. Jeonghan never lied about what happened that night
to Hansol. It was part of the plan, to make him witness all of it, including when Wonwoo had
to throw Seungcheol’s body to the river. Jeonghan immediately disappeared from
Seungcheol’s family radar and got back to his room.

At that time, Jeonghan knew Wonwoo could be their asset. He’s different – he’s quick, not
Seungcheol quick with his physicals or other things. Wonwoo is Jeonghan’s quick, despite
being trained under Seungcheol after their fake death happened. Jeonghan has always been
ordered to do mental game training, hence Soonyoung was given to him.

Seungcheol knows why he didn’t let Jeonghan train Wonwoo because they are the same. That
the day when the two of them finally meet each other in the eye will come sooner.

“Did Hansol tell you anything about what he was doing?” Jeonghan starts carefully. It’s not
like he wants to prolong the conversation, it’s the opposite – he doesn’t know what Hansol
has been doing since Seungcheol kicked him out. Jeonghan was fuming at his lover that day,
Hansol is as much precious as the next person for him. Wonwoo doesn’t answer right away,
he’s thinking because it’s not Seungcheol who is interrogating him. “He told me about his
naive dream as usual. As I said, nothing like his older brother,” the man glanced towards the
said older brother before continuing, “and he did a mind game with me too.”

The information made Jeonghan arches one of his eyebrows. What possible mind game could
occur between Wonwoo and Hansol?

“He knew about you and Mingyu,” Seungcheol chimes in. Jeonghan turned his head to face
his lover then towards Wonwoo back and forth. “How? He’s stuck in the neighborhood like
we told him to,” Jeonghan says, ignoring Wonwoo that’s currently present in the room.
Seungcheol gave him a quick glance, his face still expressing grief, he couldn’t even sleep
last night thinking about his brother, “He's been outside the neighborhood since he joined us.
The way he thinks has not been the same since then.”

Jeonghan faced Wonwoo again. There’s an unreadable expression coming from the younger
man. Both of his wrists were shifting against the cold metal material for the handcuffs. It’s
been a long time for him to stay in that exact situation.
“Your beloved little brother had been scheming in big trouble since you kicked him out,
Seungcheol hyung,” Wonwoo responded, squinting his eyes. This trick is one of Wonwoo’s
tricks to dominate the conversation, pushing the information towards his talking partner like a
fox that he is. “I bet both of you didn’t know anything about this because no one told you,
including Hong Jisoo,” at the mention of the other oldest brothers, Jeonghan tenses. It is true
that Jisoo had been absent from their organization meeting lately, Seokmin also told them
about this.

Among the three, Jisoo is the busiest. He’s the only one who’s still have confidence to put up
with all the media play pointing at him. Let alone being the son of a corrupted prime minister
would sway him away from his feet to be alive right now. Jisoo could still do all of his things
publicly and in private, hence why Seungcheol and Jeonghan does not often give him too
many work loads because of his responsibilities outside of the organization itself.

“Don’t you bring Jisoo into this,” Jeonghan spats.

“Well, it’s the truth. You know he couldn’t do it alone to face Mingyu by himself, right?”
Wonwoo tilted his head to the side, “Both of you are well aware he's been a famous vigilante
for the neighborhood for years now.” He glanced towards where Seungcheol was standing,
raising one of his eyebrows to provoke the way the older man was thinking right now.
“Hyung, you were the one who said his way of thinking had not been the same since you let
him join the organization. Hansol had finally learned the truth of what was happening in his
life. Do you really not think of any possibilities he would do the craziest shit you’ve ever
expected him to?” The question successfully caught Seungcheol off guard. Meanwhile
Jeonghan was trying to learn the hidden information through what he just heard.

A few days after Hansol had officially kicked out from WONDERLAND, there's news
coming from CHOI CORPORATION that they got their next heir back. Seungcheol and
Jeonghan knew about it, hence why Jeonghan rushed to the neighborhood a week after. But
despite him having full authority in the organization, he feels he doesn’t belong there when
he arrives in the neighborhood. Especially the way Chan acted in front of him.

Jeonghan’s heart drops as he thinks about the youngest.

“Chan,” Jeonghan says, knees wobbling, feelings overwhelmed inside his body. “Hansol,”
Jeonghan tried to think about Hansol, on how hard he’d been trying to run away from his
family’s problem – on how hurt he is to be left alone when Jeonghan learned about his
reaction towards the older man’s fake death. Then he tried to think about Seungkwan. Poor
Seungkwan, he shouldn’t be here in the first place.

The three of them won’t be here if Jeonghan doesn’t have his naive thoughts of being capable
of protecting the ones he loves. It happened too fast for Seungcheol to react to it. Jeonghan
suddenly walked towards where Wonwoo was standing. Even before Seungcheol was quick
to hold his hand back, Jeonghan had already landed his fist on Wonwoo’s face.

“HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?” Wonwoo was thrown to the floor. Jeonghan’s breathing
echoes in the still room belonging to Choi Seungcheol. Seungcheol himself was trying to
hold Jeonghan back, but in this kind of time, his fiancé is stronger than ever. Jeonghan
clutches his grip around Wonwoo’s suit collar, his eyes flashing red.

Either with anger or grief or even something worse – fear. He fears Wonwoo right now.
Jeonghan is capable of everything except protecting the one he treasures the most. He’s
scared that Wonwoo would do the rest of his things carelessly to hurt more people along the
way only for his secured money and validation.

Wonwoo stares at him with teary eyes. Jeonghan really wants to punch his face so bad
because bitch, the audacity to show your face like that to me. “He brought himself to this
mess, hyung. You know that,” Wonwoo gritted through his teeth, his eyes glancing at
Seungcheol who was behind Jeonghan, “Both of you knew he would face this.” Jeonghan
screams at Wonwoo afterwards, “IT WASN’T JUST HIM! IT’S SEUNGKWAN! IT’S
CHAN, WONWOO-YA!”

From how Wonwoo’s pupil dilated, there’s that guilty twist coming from his stomach. At the
mention of Chan, the youngest of WONDERLAND. Chan, who called out his name before
Wonwoo pulled the last trigger that day. Lee Chan, who Jeonghan loves and Seungcheol
cares about for years – the organization had been protective towards him, hence why keeping
him on the sidelines in the neighborhood was the safest choice for them to make.

Jeon Wonwoo killed Lee Chan and he needs to pay for that. It wasn’t just about Hansol, it
never has been.
Jeonghan holds his right fist in the air before landing another punch on Wonwoo’s face. His
glasses break into two and there’s a red blotch on his forehead. A blue purple-ish hue slowly
emerges around his eyelids and cheeks. Jeonghan punches his face again and Wonwoo
chokes blood afterwards.

Wonwoo’s vision was blurry, his eyesight was never good like forever without his glasses.
Sometimes in hand combat such as this, he usually wore clear eye contact. Making sure he
won’t experience this kind of issue. But he didn’t wear any today on purpose.

He would just be killed by Jeonghan right here, right now.

Jeonghan almost landed another punch on the younger’s face before Seungcheol stopped him
mid air. “Jeonghan stop,” his lover was struggling under his grip, “Stop, Jeonghan. Don’t be
like this.” Jeonghan stares at him in disbelief. His eyes were red and tears slowly fell down
on his pretty pink cheeks, “What did you mean by that, Cheol? Can’t you do something to
finally end whatever he's doing right now? I don’t give a fuck with him protecting the
diamonds to be given to your family. I don’t fucking care about that but I do care about one
thing.”

From the edge of Seungcheol’s gaze, Wonwoo slowly stands on his two feet. He was still
struggling with his handcuffs but there’s something suspicious going on with his fingers
fiddling through the metal material.

“I care about the kids, I care about Jisoo, I care about Hansol and you –” Jeonghan points his
finger towards Seungcheol’s face, “need to watch out.” After that, Wonwoo lunges his freed
right arm from Jeonghan’s back as the older man had known about it one step ahead. His fist
is now faced with Seungcheol who, in reflex, holds it with his own. Wonwoo let out a low
chuckle, struggling as he grits his teeth, “Fuck, both of you still fight like this huh.”

Then the three of them went into another hand-to-hand combat against each other. The last
time they did this was when Wonwoo did one of his training sessions with Seungcheol. On
the field, the three of them would intimidate their opponents. When Jun decided to be their
stealth agent, Jisoo would put them together as an asset.

It’s ironic to see how different they were right now.

Seungcheol successfully dodged any of Wonwoo's punches coming from him. Wonwoo also
dodged Jeonghan’s attack from behind him and his right side. Even he has to bend his body
backwards to avoid both of his oldest brothers' attack at once. There won’t be any weapon
involved in this fight, not even a knife or scissors or anything.

There was a slight error attack coming from Wonwoo and Seungcheol noticed it right away.
Pulling one of his arms forward to make his body lunge at him, slowly losing his core
balance. Despite being famous for it, Seungcheol sees it as one of Wonwoo’s weaknesses.
Jeonghan slides his right leg on the floor to tackle Wonwoo back to the ground, getting a loud
grunt from the latter.

Wonwoo hisses in pain when Seungcheol tugs his arm upwards while pushing his body
against the floor. “Is this how you’re going to end all of it, hyung?” he still managed to ask a
question and Jeonghan is fucking tired of it. Seungcheol was trying to keep calm about this
situation, his head hurts but he can’t beat fire with fire, not when Jeonghan has already filled
with anger. “What do you want with all of those diamonds?” Seungcheol carefully starts,
despite having to tug Wonwoo’s arms tighter and making him groan in pain even more,
“What did my family promise you aside for the money?”

Seungcheol is usually a physical fighter. He doesn’t like to talk, hence why the mind game
was given to Jeonghan. But when the two of them switched styles, there’s something going
on. Jeonghan is physical when everything goes wrong for him, while Seungcheol uses his
mind more when he’s trying to digest everything at once.

One of the examples is what happens now.

Wonwoo chuckles in a hoarse voice, blood dripping from his mouth. “It’s clearly what it
looks like, hyung. I never changed the way I think. I only work for money and they promised
me one,” Wonwoo says, squinting his eyes to face Seungcheol’s eyes. Wonwoo thought
Seungcheol could be fooled again like he did once before. Seungcheol’s face still doesn’t
change, he still has that determined face where he’s hiding an important information to be
given anytime soon, “It wasn’t just for the money, right?” the question came out slowly under
his breath and yet it stings.
It was enough to make Wonwoo tense under his grip. Jeonghan noticed it and he only tilted
his head to the side.

“My family threatened you by using Kim Mingyu.”

 xviii. hansol by seungcheol
Chapter Summary

Above anything, failing Chwe Hansol is Choi Seungcheol’s biggest sin.

Chapter Notes

thank you for everyone who are still tuning in! this is going my last update for
september. i'll see you again next month <3

In the midst of an insane hand battle between the two oldest in the organization against their
ex-assassin, Seungcheol remembers Hansol. The youngest of the family who he left alone by
himself for 8 years. Seungcheol never got a chance to express how grateful he is to see
Hansol again. Maybe it’s because all these years, he had suppressed all of his feelings behind
the mask for a dead man in public and most importantly to his own family.

He remembered the first day when Hansol got into his kindergarten school. His small fingers
wrapped around Seungcheol’s slightly bigger ones. The teacher in front of them even
willingly crouched only to talk to Hansol, luring him to get into their class because it was
already almost 7 AM. Knowing Seungcheol also had to go to his school after dropping him
off.

Hansol tugged his older brother’s hand, keeping it to himself. “I only want to be with hyung,”
Hansol said, not giving any glance towards the teacher in front of him. Seungcheol
apologized to the teacher and excused themselves for a while, promised to them that he
would talk it all out with Hansol. “Our Solie,” Seungcheol used Hansol’s favorite nickname
and the younger pursed his lips – he’s intrigued to hear where this topic is going to go,
“Hyung once told you that school is better than at home, right?” he asked, patting both sides
of his younger brother’s uniform to put out the dust on it, “This is what I talked about. That
you’re going to have a great day in school rather than when you’re at home.”

Around this time, Seungcheol had already been shown off by his parents in front of the
public. Seungcheol wanted to join a lot of sports clubs in his school and yet they were all
rejected by his parents. Telling him to focus on learning what future he’s going to be by
witnessing how business projects should be presented and other things about him being the
next heir of the company. Around this time too, he still didn’t get any courage from anyone to
rebel at his parents.

Hansol is still pouting, his eyelashes fluttering indicating he’s tearing up. Seungcheol
immediately took one of his tissues from his pocket. “Hansol, you can’t take our driver to
accompany you while waiting for me to come home after school,” elementary school
Seungcheol said as he wiped the tears slowly falling from his brother’s eyes. Kindergarten
Hansol sniffled, his nose getting red, “Everywhere is better when I’m with hyung.”

Seungcheol understood the meaning of what he and Hansol said about the statement a few
days after his fake death. Leaving Hansol alone while he’s still alive was one thing, but
leaving him by playing dead? It’s a whole different story. Seungcheol woke up every night,
screaming into the void, thinking about how worse his parents will be treating Hansol after he
left. They were in Japan back then and Jeonghan was also by his side throughout his
nightmares.

He was there when Hansol visited his fake grave. Seungcheol had his own way to be as
discreet as possible about his appearance in front of his younger brother. He was there when
Hansol visited him from high school to college. Even Seungkwan often accompanied him,
both of them alternately cleaning Seungcheol’s gravestone.

“You know, hyung,” Seungcheol heard 20-year-old Chwe Hansol spoke through the in-ear
and he’s already tearing up, “I’m committed to death about how everything is easier when
I’m with you. That’s why I will always come back to this place.” Seungkwan was caressing
his shoulder, whispering good job at Hansol and the latter received it with a wide smile. “I
can’t go back to our old room, hence why I chose this place. Don’t worry, I am also diligently
paying my respect to Jeonghan hyung too. Seungkwan said he seemed like a cool guy.” When
Seungcheol told Jeonghan about this, he almost wanted to drop everything.

Seungcheol would be lying if he didn’t say he had the urge to end all of this by himself. He
wanted to leave all of this then just take Jeonghan and Hansol with him. Seungcheol wanted
it so bad he almost did it but Jeonghan stopped him. Telling him that all of this started
because Seungcheol wanted to protect Hansol.
Now, Hansol is gone. His younger brother, his little spark in the darkness erupted in their
family household, has gone.

Seungcheol darted his gaze, trying to focus on what’s happening in front of him. Wonwoo
was laying down, blood already dripping from the corner of his mouth. Bruises plastered on
his temple and jaw, bright blue and fresh. Jeonghan was breathing heavily, his right hand still
gripping hard onto Wonwoo’s shirt collar.

The next thing he knows is an upcoming landing fist from Jeonghan towards his face.
Seungcheol immediately stopped his punch with his own fist, wrapping it around Jeonghan’s
as he glanced towards his lover. Jeonghan’s eyes were blotched red, tears streaming down his
cheeks, and he’s fucking hurt. Seungcheol also didn’t realize since when he feels like crying,
because of the tears slowly falling to his cheek.

“It didn’t change anything, Seungcheol!” Jeonghan roars at him, sobbing as he wails to the
head of the criminal organization. The person who should be protecting the younger kids
under their wings. “They’re still not coming back to me!” Jeonghan punches Seungcheol’s
shoulder, still punching him hard even when the older’s strength is bigger than him, “They’re
still dead! They’re gone, Seungcheol!” Seungcheol then brings Jeonghan closer to his
embrace. Letting him sobs even harder in the crook of his neck, “For God’s sake not them –
please.”

Wonwoo was lying unconscious on the floor when the office door suddenly opened wide,
showing the other BUREUL JIPYEO’s members successfully opening the door. Jihoon
immediately ran to where Wonwoo was lying. Junhui scans the situation, his eyes widened
when he hears Jeonghan’s painful wail echoes to the outside from where they are at.
Seungcheol is still holding him close, letting his other boys bring Wonwoo to their clinic.

When the door closed again, that’s when Seungcheol dropped everything. His mask, his
heart, and his body. Jeonghan is still clutching onto his shirt, wailing until he’s feeling
drained. Seungcheol sobs, crying against Jeonghan’s shoulder.

Above anything, failing Chwe Hansol is Choi Seungcheol’s biggest sin.

Jeonghan cried himself to sleep and Seungcheol let him. For days, they didn't talk to each
other. Even when they are in the meeting room, Seungcheol makes it as short as possible. He
makes sure he needs to hear what he needs to know.

After that, Seungcheol would spend his free time in Hansol's room in the organization's
mansion. Sitting on his bed, hoping he would come back one night from the open window.
Jeonghan was the one who opened the window, knowing how Hansol really loved to trespass
through it in his life. The grief, surprisingly, envelope throughout each of the organization's
members.

Minghao took it as hard as Jeonghan. He almost threw a nunchuck at Seungcheol, ignoring

the organization's ethics after he stepped out from the meeting room. Junhui holds him in his
place, using all of his core strength to prevent any harm caused by his boyfriend towards their
leader. It was also the first time they witnessed Minghao as a crying mess, falling onto the
floor, wailing the three younger members of the organization.

Jihoon didn't talk to the trinity higher ups outside the meeting room. He didn't even give them
a slightest glance. On top of everything, the fact that Jeon Wonwoo was still lying down on
one of the mansion's beds angered Jisoo. At one of their usual meetings, Jisoo almost
exploded at Soonyoung.

"All three of you need to get rid of him," Jisoo warns as he points his fingers towards the said
three, "This is not a warning, this is an order." Jihoon curled his fist and Soonyoung barked
back at the older man, "He's hurt!" It was the only excuse they could come up with.
Throughout the days Seungcheol and Jeonghan didn't talk to each other, Wonwoo was left
unconscious. "That didn't change anything with the fact he killed Vernon," Jisoo is playing
with psychology as usual, with how he darted his gaze towards Jihoon now, "He killed
Chan."

"We killed a lot of people."

"Did we kill one of our own?" Jeonghan stepped in. Seungcheol turned his head faster than
usual. It's the first time Jeonghan ever stepped into a conversation since the fight with
Wonwoo. His eyes looked tired, his hair falling down to cover his left eye – in conclusion,
he's a mess, "I asked the three of you a question," Jeonghan fixed his gaze towards the
remaining members of BUREUL JIPYEO, "Did we ever ask you to kill one of us?"
If they could, they wanted to answer with Wonwoo had his reasons excuse. But that will
endup with a sudden fight with the trinity higher ups, right here, right now. Judging on how
Jeonghan is currently tired with the brain game, he would just jump into another physical
fight. On the other hand, Seungcheol now prefers to talk with all of his opponents.

The talk ended up with Wonwoo still lying on their bed. Jisoo was furious, of course, when
did he not? It was because Seungcheol let them take care of the assassin. When everyone left
the meeting room, including Jeonghan, Seungcheol stopped Jisoo on his track. It was only the
two of them.

"There is no way you don't believe that Wonwoo didn't kill them," Jisoo said, both of his eyes
dilated furiously. Seungcheol wished he was wrong – he wished Wonwoo did kill the three of
them and made everything easy. But once again, he remembered what Wonwoo said to him
about Hansol. On how Hansol thought through all of his doings after he left the organization.

Chwe Hansol and Boo Seungkwan are known to be a vigilante for the neighborhood for
years. Lee Chan is an exceptional member of the organization, he has all of his brothers
abilities to learn throughout the years he spent with them. Seungcheol's head hurts thinking
about it. Everywhere he walked inside the mansion, there will always be the remaining
memories left by the three of them.

"I wish I could believe it, Shua," Seungcheol said, head spinning because of how hurt to miss
the alive presence of his only sibling, "But this is Hansol we talk about. The same person
who walked up to you and told you that he wanted to meet Kim Mingyu." Hansol established
his image for his impulsive act. Just like Seungkwan said, Chwe Hansol is known for his
actions rather than words. Jisoo seems to be thinking, intrigued at the theory, "He also
brought Chan into his mess," Seungcheol added, "There's no way Chan would let everyone
who is close to him to be hurt."

"Yeah, talk that to Jeonghan."

Seungcheol immediately sealed his lips. Later that night, Seungcheol found Jeonghan staring
out the window. In their room, Jeonghan also left the window open. Hoping Hansol will
climb back through their window if he thought the climb towards his own is a little bit
difficult.
The two of them grieved in different ways. Seungcheol also can't ignore the elephant in the
room, the way both of them also slept with their backs facing each other. Everytime
Seungcheol needed to touch him, Jeonghan curled smaller into his sleep, clutching at
different clothes that Chan left in the mansion. Tonight is Chan's futsal jersey.

"Have you finished this yet, baby?" Seungcheol asked, taking the tray filled with his light
dinner cookies and a glass of water. Jeonghan stayed silent, still staring at the sky outside.
Seungcheol sighed, taking the tray under his grip before his track stopped at Jeonghan's
voice. "Are you really sure they're not gone, Cheol?" Seungcheol is still holding on the tray
when Jeonghan turns his face at him, the first time his fiancé ever looked him in the eye
today, “Please, tell me.”

Somehow, Jeonghan looked like he’s in peace despite the bags under his eyes. He’s already at
the stage of accepting that they are completely gone. But at the same time, he can’t ignore the
glimpse of hope that this isn’t over yet. The hand clutches towards the fabric of the jersey
belonging to Chan tightens, Jeonghan’s breath hitches in the silence of tonight.

It’s the first time Jeonghan let Seungcheol hold him in his embrace. Seungcheol wrapped
both of his hands around his lover, inhaling the faint scent belonging to Chan from the jersey.

“I miss them so much,” Jeonghan choked between his sobs. Seungcheol caresses his body,
calming him as he tells him it’s okay to cry again. “Everything that I did is to protect them,
keep them safe,” Jeonghan tells, looking back at the stars in the night sky, “They didn’t
deserve all of this.” Seungcheol listened to every word that poured from the deepest part of
Jeonghan’s heart.

Seungcheol, once again, feels helpless. He has his army on his back and yet he couldn’t save
his own people. Therefore, the two people who built the organization from the ground
grieved together for the first time. Seungcheol inhales slowly as he closes both of his eyes,
hoping for one last time to the sky for wherever Hansol is, may he feel safe.

“I know, baby,” Seungcheol admitted, failing to keep his posture to not cry anymore for
today, “I miss them too.” Another realization hits Seungcheol's gut.
Seungcheol felt the same way as Hansol felt 8 years ago and he had to admitted, it’s fucking
hurt.
 xix. hansol by seokmin
Chapter Summary

It’s hard for him to be there because one of the usual places where the three of them
hung out was here. Seokmin still can sniff Hansol’s favorite cologne in the air,
Seungkwan’s faint chuckles when he heard something stupid slipped out from his
mouth, and shadows of Chan peeking his head from the door to ask him if he want his
kimchi to be stored at the mansion’s refrigerator.

A doctor and a scientist are two different things. Kwon Soonyoung had made his name to be
the organization’s mad scientist, he’s a well-known one in the underground society. While
Lee Seokmin is a private hospital’s junior doctor, he still doesn’t have enough experience to
be compared with his senior doctors. Well, for the hospital record, he doesn’t have enough
experience, but for taking care of wounded criminals in their infirmaries, he did a lot.

Seokmin is now sitting beside Wonwoo’s infirmary bed. It’s been a day since Wonwoo was
found unconscious in Seungcheol’s office. Seokmin never had any intention to dig deeper
about the oldest trio and BUREUL JIPYEO fiasco. Even when Jisoo is the love of his life.

It’s always been like that – him and Minghao. The two of them were often being neglected by
their older brothers and did what they'd been told to do. Minghao once talked about this to
Junhui, asking for more jobs or maybe a minor mission such as taking care of the
neighborhood on the field. They passed the deadly test of the organization and expected it to
be on the field often like their seniors were, but they didn’t.

The harsh reality is even BUREUL JIPYEO doesn’t acknowledge the younger brothers they
have under the organization.

“Is he going to be okay?” Soonyoung asks while Jihoon softly rubs Wonwoo’s right palm.
Seokmin stares at the monitor that shows Wonwoo’s heart beat. It still shows a normal heart
beat, but it’s not that strong. “I think he needs more rest after everything he's done,” Seokmin
concludes with a small smile before excusing himself to go to the basement, where he and
Minghao would spend time together at the armory.
Seokmin heard about what happened a few days ago. About Hansol, Seungkwan, and Chan.
Closing the basement meeting room door behind him, Seokmin drops his body on the floor.
Being a doctor for years trained him to not feel anything at all, which he struggled for his few
first years in the real field.

“Seokmin –” Minghao walked out from the armory to find the sight of Seokmin curls in front
of the door. He hurriedly rushed to where his best friend was and gave him the hug he’d been
wanting for so long. Seokmin wasn’t there when the news dropped and tons of missed calls
from Jisoo, Minghao, and Mingyu that were left to the voice mails. “Hao –” Seokmin gasps,
clutching his hands onto Minghao’s back, “Hansol –”

“I know.”

“No – not them –”

Seokmin spent hours crying because of the news in the meeting room. It’s hard for him to be
there because one of the usual places where the three of them hung out was here. Seokmin
still can sniff Hansol’s favorite cologne in the air, Seungkwan’s faint chuckles when he heard
something stupid slipped out from his mouth, and shadows of Chan peeking his head from
the door to ask him if he want his kimchi to be stored at the mansion’s refrigerator. It also has
been days since Seokmin talked with Jisoo, the text between them were brief and short.

These days, Seokmin didn’t attend the organization meeting regarding what happened and
also the existence of Jeon Wonwoo in their infirmary. Besides he has to take care of Wonwoo,
Seokmin just doesn’t want to face anyone yet. Let alone talk about what happened. He also
doesn’t hold much grudge towards Wonwoo about what happened, but at least he wants to
ask when the older man is awake.

After taking Wonwoo’s daily check up, Seokmin rather go straight to the basement. Ignoring
Jisoo who’s standing at the same floor level as the infirmary. Seokmin doesn’t even sleep in
his own room at the mansion, walking on the same floor as the members' rooms is also
difficult for him. Especially when he often finds the sight of Hansol and Chan’s room doors
were left open on purpose.

“Something crazy just brought up earlier,” Minghao said after he got back from the meeting,
“What is it?” Seokmin asks and doesn't even bother to lift his gaze from the reports he’s
currently holding. “Shua-ge just said that maybe they’re not dead,” Minghao adds, pursing
his lips to hold it from trembling, “that Hansol, Seungkwan, and Chan were not killed by
Wonwoo hyung.” The topic makes Seokmin’s gaze slowly lift to meet Minghao’s halfway.
“What did you just say?” Seokmin speaks softly, afraid of getting his hopes high, while
Minghao still seems skeptical, “I know that your boyfriend is a lunatic but he heard it from
Seungcheol hyung also. This has to do with Mingyu.”

Kim Mingyu, everybody in this country knows him as the son of the Seoul mayor who
recently died. Not for Seokmin and Minghao, both of them know him as a clumsy campus
jock who surprisingly loves theater. The three of them cross paths when their campus holds
an open audition for a new semester theater musical. They were there for different intentions
but alas, they clicked along the way.

Seokmin was there with Mingyu when his first meeting with Jeon Wonwoo happened. Back
in AMOR, when they were still in their 3rd year of college. Mingyu had always loved
challenges and gambling, he thought getting to know one of the regulars in the bar would
also be a tempting challenge for him. Seokmin was there to have fun and yet he landed his
eyes on a certain conglomerate.

“Mingyu? Why is he suddenly in every topic this organization has?” Seokmin scowls and
Minghao rolls his eyes, “Duh, of course. Him and Wonwoo hyung got together for a very
long time. He didn’t realize that he also helped Wonwoo hyung to murdered his own father.”
This is the first time Seokmin heard another perspective on what happened, it was all because
he’s not present 24/7 in the mansion, he still has another duty to do in his hospital. “Hansol
came to Mingyu with Shua-ge a few days before he was killed. I heard that this is something
related to the CHOI CORPORATION’s diamonds,” Seokmin knows where this is going to
go, hence he groans, “I know, I know. Seungcheol hyung is too dumb to realize that he
dragged all of us into his family mess. It has always been his family’s business.” Seokmin
knows about this, he has his own opinion about what’s going on within the organization these
past few months.

Everything started with how Jisoo was acting, then Seungcheol and Jeonghan who came back
from Japan earlier than he ever expected. The existence of a said vigilante coming from the
neighborhood. Seokmin doesn’t know who to blame in this problem. If that fucking Choi
family once heard their eldest son crying pleas, maybe none of this ever happened.

Yet again, meeting Hong Jisoo has never been on his regret list. To be specific, it was his
miracle to meet Hong Jisoo as who he is that night.
“Okay,” Seokmin huff, glancing at Minghao, “Where is Mingyu right now?”

“You’re testing the waters, right now,” Jisoo reacts when Seokmin makes time to talk with
him when both of them are present in the mansion. Seokmin is standing in the middle of
Jisoo’s office, not as big as the joint office belonging to Seungcheol and Jeonghan, but it’s
still made to intimidate everyone. Everyone except Seokmin, because that wasn’t Jisoo’s
intention to intimidate him. “You were the one who heard about Hansol’s original plan to take
on Wonwoo hyung by himself. Why didn’t you stop him if there were any possibilities for
him to die in the end?” Seokmin asks an important question.

Their relationship has not been good these past few days. With Jisoo who had to take over
some of the organization plans because of what happened, Seokmin preferred to stay in the
basement rather than have to know what was going on. Being a doctor made him feel numb
towards death, but having a relationship with Hong Jisoo makes him afraid for something
that is uncertain. He couldn’t stop Jisoo on what he’s doing right now, hell, he’s one of the
founders of WONDERLAND, Seokmin can’t do anything about that.

Jisoo opens his mouth to retort the question but it dies down in his throat. Seokmin raised his
right eyebrow, exactly. “You also think that Hansol might be the answer to end whatever this
is, right? That’s why you let him see Wonwoo hyung because there is also a possibility he has
the same motive with whatever Wonwoo hyung was doing right now,” Seokmin decided to
answer his own question, “Hyung, you’re also at fault.” Seokmin knows if he’s acting like
this, he’d be the one who intimidates Hong Jisoo.

Not everyone knows about Hong Jisoo’s weakness. Some of them say it’s his family's true
nature, or the public, or the news portals. There is a whole reason why Jisoo had always put
Seokmin at the back of the organization line. It was because Seokmin would be unstoppable
if he’s placed at the front.

“Hyung, I didn’t say you indirectly killed them.”

“You implied it.”

Jisoo sniffles and Seokmin softens. Being a criminal doesn’t make them a heartless person.
Jisoo doesn’t often show his vulnerable side, he had been trained harshly by his family, an
asset to be their shield since childhood. Seokmin sees it often, he’s the only one who knows
about this side of Jisoo.

The younger decides to walk closer to where Jisoo is and open his arms. Letting Jisoo rush
into his embrace and tuck his head onto Seokmin’s neck. He lets Jisoo pour all of his heart
out on what’s happening in the organization recently. His relationship with his two best
friends, with his younger brothers, with Seokmin.

“I don’t want to lose you,” Jisoo confesses between his sobs, tightening his grip around
Seokmin’s body. The protectiveness started with a little seed of overthinking about Seokmin’s
safety, it has always been like that. It’s clear everytime Seokmin is in the field without the
prime minister’s son when he’s supposed to be at the hospital, Jisoo never knows about it.
Seokmin combs Jisoo’s hair softly, soothing him with soft whispers, “Hey, if you keep
thinking of my capability like that, you could probably lose me before you even know it.”

Jisoo knows Seokmin isn't wrong. He’s the one who knows his own capability, he passed the
test to join the organization smoothly by Jisoo’s recommendation. Jisoo knows that Seokmin
understands every option that he chose for himself to still stand here with him. He knows that
he’s the one who holds Seokmin back all this time.

“If you’re thinking this is one of my ways to break up with you then you’re underestimating
me again, hyung.” The prime minister’s son curls smaller in Seokmin’s embrace. “I didn’t
say anything about break up,” Jisoo whispers, eyes lifted to finally stare at Seokmin again, “I
don’t want to break up.” Seokmin nods, “Neither do I, hyung. I just need to confirm to you
that Kim Mingyu will be here tomorrow for a quick chat with me and Minghao.”

It can be said that the trust between the oldest three and their younger brothers has slightly
cracked. With the addition of Wonwoo’s existence who’s slowly getting better each day, but
still closes his eyes for the time being, and for sure, about the death news. Jisoo then nods,
giving Seokmin his confirmation to bring Mingyu to the headquarter. Which never happened,
the only government born that ever stepped into this building is Hong Jisoo.
Seokmin plants a kiss on Jisoo’s head and whispers i love you to make the older feel relaxed
for a bit. It’s always work for Jisoo.

The next morning, Seokmin picked up Mingyu at the nearest bus stop from where the
mansion is. Don’t ask him, this was all Kim Mingyu. When Mingyu finally sits on the
passenger seat at the front, he looks stressed. He’s also suspiciously silent, Seokmin expected
Mingyu to bombarded him with various questions about Wonwoo’s wherebeings.

“Do you know anything about Hansol’s plan?” Seokmin asks carefully. Mingyu shifts on his
seat, “Besides him wanting to persuade Wonwoo hyung about the diamonds?” he let out a dry
chuckle, “I told him it was basically a suicide.” Seokmin swallows, Mingyu’s not wrong,
Wonwoo is a dangerous man and he also doesn’t understand the way Hansol is thinking. “Did
Wonwoo hyung tell the organization anything other than what happened on the news?”
Mingyu finally asks when the car finally drives into the headquarter’s area, “No, as far as I
know. Is there something that we should know?” Mingyu exhales a shaky sigh, “Later, I want
to talk about this with him first.”

Arriving at the mansion, Seokmin realizes Mingyu dresses too normal for being the son of a
mayor. Just a casual shirt, long pants, and black glasses to cover his eyes. Mingyu takes his
glasses off when he meets Minghao. It has been years since the last time the three of them
had a proper meeting together, hence Mingyu rushed to hug Minghao.

When Seokmin announces Mingyu’s arrival, Wonwoo widens his eyes. He had woken up in
the evening the day before, an hour after Seokmin wanted confirmation from Jisoo. Since
then, Wonwoo has been accompanied by BUREUL JIPYEO until now. For an hour, all of
them let Wonwoo and Mingyu have their own time at the infirmary.

It was when the door finally opened and Mingyu was carrying Wonwoo to walk.

“Wonwoo –”

“It’s fine,” Wonwoo says, stopping Soonyoung on his track. He glances at Seokmin, “Is Shua
hyung here?” the doctor blinks, “He’s at his house, probably. Why though?” Mingyu purses
his lips and Seokmin doesn’t like the tension that’s currently pooling in the air, “What
happened, Wonwoo hyung?” Wonwoo exhales a harsh sigh, frowning at the dizziness from
his head, “The diamonds were gone and I don’t know who have it.”
A thick silence enveloped the room before Minghao’s voice pierced through it.

“What the fuck?”

 xx. hansol by WONDERLAND
Chapter Summary

“What the fuck do we have to talk about if we still have you in the same room with us?
Hyung, you should be grateful that Jeonghan hyung didn’t slit your throat even when
Seungcheol hyung was there.”

Chapter Notes

this is probably my last update for this month. i will be back next month with a proper
productivity! november has been a rough month for me. wishing for a better days in
december!

The meeting was prepared immediately for the night. Mingyu came by in the morning and
the other boys had their time to prepare. The three elders were all unavailable at the mansion
and Jihoon was also needed in his theater business. Whilst Junhui was assigned to control the
international division while Jisoo is not around for a moment, they left Soonyoung, Wonwoo,
Minghao, Mingyu, and Seokmin at the mansion.

It’s quite awkward between the five of them. Especially after everything happened, Seokmin
would be lying if he’s not one of the people who wanted Wonwoo to leave the mansion
despite being the only doctor in the organization. This fact had been bugging his morality for
days, to take care of his brother's killer, even when Wonwoo was also once his brother. When
Seokmin is able to keep quiet at times like this, Minghao is not.

“Are you finally going to admit that you really killed them?” Minghao suddenly threw a
question at Wonwoo who had been silent since the information of the missing diamond was
spread. Wonwoo lifts his head to face Minghao, still silent. “No, because from my
perspective, it’s all completely useless if we’re going to talk about this fucking diamonds and
having you in the same room with us at the same time,” Minghao continues, ignoring the
offensive growl coming from Soonyoung. Wonwoo rubs the skin around his hand, exhaling a
soft sigh through his nose, “I believe that I killed them, Minghao. You know better than
anyone how I executed my plan.”
This is the reason why Seokmin held himself to not get his hopes high. Even when the hopes
were hanging because of the said head of their organization, Choi Seungcheol himself,
Seokmin still has to throw all of his trust out of the window when it comes to death. He lost a
lot of people – innocents one, fuck, he’s a freaking doctor in one of reputable hospitals in
Seoul. Seokmin should be the one who knows not to play with death other than anyone.

The doctor now glances at Mingyu and Minghao. If Minghao can be honest, he doesn’t hope
for anything at all. He still didn’t hold any proper conversation with his boyfriend, Junhui. To
tell him that he’s not on board again with whatever Seungcheol is doing within the
organization.

Minghao came to the realization that the place he once called home, doesn’t feel like one
anymore. What’s worse is everytime the organization doesn’t feel like home, at least Junhui
still feels like one for him. Since Wonwoo came back to the mansion, Junhui had felt distant
from wherever Minghao is. While the older man has always been to where Wonwoo was
after coming back from his work, Minghao stays at the basement where he belongs.

“I can’t do this –”

“Minghao –”

“No!” Minghao shouts at everyone in front of him, “I’ve killed a lot of people with no mercy
for years. All of them deserved it, Wonwoo hyung, you know this better than anyone.”
Wonwoo maintained his gaze towards Minghao, letting the younger finish what he wanted to
say. “All of them deserved it, but that doesn’t mean you can do the same thing to them. To
Chan, hyung, our Lee Chan,” Minghao trembles as he mentioned the youngest name in the
conversation, “He didn’t do anything wrong. We put them in the neighborhood for reasons, to
protect him.” Seokmin try to reach out to Minghao but he bats his hand away, “What the fuck
do we have to talk about if we still have you in the same room with us? Hyung, you should
be grateful that Jeonghan hyung didn’t slit your throat even when Seungcheol hyung was
there.”

Seokmin thinks it should be enough for today. Thus, he dragged Minghao away from
Wonwoo. It doesn’t mean he disagreed with what Minghao just said – he agreed to all of it.
He doesn’t want to worsen the situation between the members of the organization, let alone
with Mingyu’s presence who particularly barely knows about the inside of WONDERLAND,
he’s sure Wonwoo didn’t tell him enough about his time when he was still with them.
The three elders arrived at the mansion when it hit around late noon. Jisoo was the first to
arrive and halted his tracks when he found the sight of Kim Mingyu at the meeting room with
Soonyoung and Wonwoo. It’s the first time for the two of them to meet after their last
meeting with Hansol. Jisoo fixed his suit, sent a quick text to Seokmin for him to
immediately go to the meeting room because the others will soon arrive.

Junhui and Jihoon arrived at the same time, immediately went to check Wonwoo’s condition
and everything. Minghao stayed silent, even when Junhui was the one who asked him
questions. “Stop doing this professionality with me,” Minghao replied and Seokmin had to
stop him from doing anything reckless for himself, “After all of this is done, I really need to
talk to you.” Junhui blinks, hearing Jisoo call his name, he immediately retreats, “Okay.”

Mingyu tries to find comfort in his seat. It’s quite tense in the meeting room compared to any
official meeting he ever attended. Mingyu never felt afraid or nervous when he attended his
late father’s meetings, because he knew all of it was just formality and full of bullshit. But he
never attended one from a different perspective – from the people who were wronged by the
government and, worse, by their family.

Wonwoo once told him that Mingyu deserves a seat in WONDERLAND, because his criteria
of living are literally the same as Seungcheol and Jisoo.

“Are you uncomfortable?” Wonwoo softly whispers, glancing at Mingyu who sits on his left
side. At first, Wonwoo allowed him to sit with his college friends who sat on the other side of
the big table, but Mingyu refused. “A little bit, though, the big guns are still on their way,”
Mingyu answers, still managing to flash his boyfriend with a big grin. Wonwoo frowns,
thinking about how Mingyu is still as positive as ever despite the situation he’s in at the
moment.

It also falters Wonwoo a little bit with the sight in front of him. Mingyu comfortably holds a
conversation with his friends. Wonwoo once told him about the other BUREUL JIPYEO
members, that they tended to be protective towards him, because of the burden he had to hold
for years as the elders often put all of their work on him. The information was supposed to
scare Mingyu away – to not lure the mayor’s son into his life and halt their relationship as
business as possible.
Wonwoo turned to glance at the three empty seats. He’s lying if everytime the fact that he
killed the three youngests in WONDERLAND didn’t make him feel guilty. It’s the biggest
sin he ever committed. He also agreed with what Minghao told him earlier about Jeonghan
and it’s true, Wonwoo is silently counting his days for Jeonghan to kill him in his sleep one
day.

All of the people in the meeting room suddenly stand up and the door opens. Showing
Seungcheol and Jeonghan walking side by side entering the room. Jeonghan glanced at where
Wonwoo was sitting, his eyes still telling him that the older man was still grieving.
Seungcheol sits on his throne with Jeonghan and Jisoo accompanying him on their respective
seats by his side.

The eldest looked tired, but he still needed to end the war that he started – the resistance that
he pitched to protect his brother. Seungcheol turns to Jisoo to give him the instruction and the
prime minister’s son nudges his head towards Junhui.

Junhui stands, the projector, LED screen, and the clear board are already displayed.

“Good afternoon everyone, let’s start the meeting about the Gala that will be held by CHOI
CORPORATION.”

Seungcheol had just realized that it had been months since the last time he met Hansol. It hurt
him to remember the last time he met his brother was when he kicked him out from the safest
place he made from the ground solely for him. He still remembers Hansol’s face that day, the
whole reason on why Seungcheol wanted him in the organization, about the diamonds, about
Wonwoo. In the middle of Junhui’s presentation, Seungcheol glanced at where Wonwoo was
seated.

The sight in front of him literally took him back years ago, before Wonwoo left. Wonwoo sits
with the other member of BUREUL JIPYEO with an addition of Kim Mingyu’s presence
beside him. Seungcheol once dreamt about this sight, hence why he fought tooth and nail,
betrayed a lot of people, only to bring back Wonwoo to WONDERLAND. Wonwoo’s here
now, but not with the reasons and circumstances Seungcheol wants.
“There is also another problem, hyung,” Junhui’s voice rings into Seungcheol’s head. The
older man straightens his posture, “What is it?” Junhui seems to give a quick signal for
Mingyu to stand up. It’s the first time since Hansol for someone who is not in
WONDERLAND ever to speak. When Seungcheol nods, Mingyu starts to speak, “As you
can see, the diamonds are missing. It was supposed to be in the safe where only Wonwoo
hyung knew the place, but it’s gone. Our –” Jeonghan’s right brow rises and Mingyu
stammers, “not ours, but me and Wonwoo hyung’s suspects probably CHOI
CORPORATION’s men have it because they were also the one who knew about the safe.”

Seungcheol let his fingers tap on the surface of his wooden table. He saw this coming, that in
the very end, he should show up in front of his parents.

“You’re telling me that Wonwoo just got betrayed by his own men?” Jisoo asks and Wonwoo
answers, “I work alone.” Jihoon turns to his best friend, asking him politely to not answer the
question because he doesn’t have one in the first place. Jisoo scoffs in disbelief, “God,
Wonwoo, you never changed, aren’t you.” Jeonghan is still staying silent and Seungcheol
decided to let Mingyu continue, “As what Wonwoo hyung just said, he works alone and only
for people who profit him more. But after the diamonds are gone, your parents are also radio
silent for any further information about the deal between them and Wonwoo hyung. From
that, we can assume they have the diamonds to be displayed in front of the other government
audiences in the Gala a few days from now.”

They want us to steal from their own in front of many people, Seungcheol quickly
summarizes the psychopath plan his parents have been doing. They want to lure the people
who stole it from them in the first place, even without knowing their eldest son is alive. It
was never about their sons, never about him, never about Hansol. They only think about
themselves and probably they were happy to not have any sons to be given the heir, just them
and their insanity forevermore.

“Do the kids know?” Jeonghan suddenly asks.

“Who?” Mingyu looks confused.

“The kids,” Jeonghan then points at the three empty seats, “Hansol, Seungkwan, and Chan.
They were killed there by your boyfriend.” Wonwoo has to close his eyes when Mingyu tries
to find words to defend him. “You were just playing in the palm of Seungcheol’s parents all
this time, Wonwoo. Just like their eldest son,” Jeonghan adds, giving another guilt on
Seungcheol’s shoulders, because of his failure to protect Hansol. Jeonghan brushes his dark
strands back, inhaling enough oxygen for his lungs to breathe, “We’re going to prepare for
the Gala the same as what we did at the previous one. To track the diamonds, we can go
through the CCTV and other platforms to identify each of the men. We’re also going to
ambush, whether with or without them having the diamonds,” the people in the room have to
stare in shock at Jeonghan after hearing what he said, “We’re going to end this completely.
After all of this, all of you can leave.”

Seungcheol doesn’t protest at what Jeonghan just said. Because his intention is the same – to
end all of this now or never. He had been putting all of them in any kind of conditions and
environments that they never wanted in the first place. All of it because of his selfish wish to
avenge everything he had been through against his family.

It is also hard for him to ignore how wide Jisoo’s eyes are piercing into the side of his skull.
Questioning mentally on what the fuck he just heard from Jeonghan and why Seungcheol
doesn’t do anything to stop him. No one uttered any words after Jeonghan spoke. Thus, the
meeting has officially ended.

When the other members had already been dismissed from the room, Jisoo stood up from his
seat. “No,” Jisoo says, eyes flaring in fumes, “No, I’m not going to let both of you go.” It’s
hard, Seungcheol must admit, after everything they’ve been through together – after
everything Jisoo has been through to cover his best friends from the public. “If this is one of
your bullshits to fake another death, I’m in. Both of you know I’m okay with whatever you
want to do, just –” Jisoo looks desperate for someone who holds his ego high in front of
people who once he despised so much, “just don’t say anything like that. Don’t say anything
like we only have a few days left to be alive.”

To be frank, that was what Jeonghan intended. It came out indirectly, because he knows each
one person in WONDERLAND understands the consequences of their missions everytime
they need to face the government, let alone it’s Seungcheol’s family. Partifulcarly for Jisoo
who has always been in the front line to cover whatever WONDERLAND did behind the
scene. To take every bullet from a different direction, putting him in bad places, being the
clown for the government authorities to be laughed off. Even when he’s not in the wrong, his
own family doesn't protect him at all.

“Talk to me, you fucking bastards.”

“You know,” Jeonghan speaks, turning his face to Jisoo, “You know, Shua. That all of this
has been a long time coming.” Jisoo is mad, he’s angry, and disappointed at the same time. “I
know, but not like this,” says Jisoo, both eyes widened to beg to the two most important
people in his life, “Not with both of you acting like you’re going to leave me alone again. I
don’t want to leave you.” Then Jeonghan softens, he takes a step forward between
Seungcheol and Jisoo.

Their relationship started rough. Everyone knows about Seungcheol and Jisoo's public rivalry
towards each other. Jeonghan was there by Seungcheol’s side, not publicly, just listening to
his lover’s rant about the said son of the prime minister. He only met Jisoo when Seungcheol
pitched the idea to disappear and fake his death through the process.

That’s when Jisoo started taking the bullets. He had been working to be their shield for years,
keeping them hidden while he’s hurting.

The least thing they can do is to let him go.

“We kindly tell you to stop being our shield for this one. That we can do this together,
publicly, and do what we usually do for the rest of the mission,” Jisoo’s lips quiver and
Seungcheol squeezes his shoulders to calm him down, “This is the least thing we can do,
Shua. You’re the one who hurt the most between the three of us. It’s my time to face my own
problems eye to eye with them.” Jisoo reacts by brushing the tears that suddenly drop on his
cheek. Giving Jeonghan a chance to let out a chuckle, patting Jisoo’s back playfully. “You’re
not wrong when you said I talked like we only have a few days alive,” Jeonghan says,
tugging Seungcheol and Jisoo closer to his body, “but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a
chance for all of us to be completely alive after it.”

Jisoo sniffles and Seungcheol takes his chance to ruffle the bastard’s son’s hair. The day is
still young, Jeonghan decided to take both of them to grab a quick coffee together outside of
Seoul.

No one asks them where they go.

End Notes

thank you for surviving this mess!

kudos and comments are very appreciated. come talk to me in twitter

or tumblr
and now with a verkwan playlist that will be update as the story goes
and your beloved coupjeong playlist
and seoksoo playlist

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